Seismic performance of high-strength self-compacting concrete in reinforced concrete beam-column joints

Abstract

Beam-column joints of reinforced concrete building frames play an important role under seismic excitations. These are one of the most congested areas in reinforced concrete framed structures; placement of concrete and proper compaction in such areas are hence substantially challenging. This offers a unique area of application for self-compacting concrete which can flow through every corner of extensively reinforced area without any vibration. Therefore if implementing self-compacting concrete in beam-column joints does not compromise seismic performance of the frame, it can be used instead of conventional concrete. This paper focuses on implementation of high-strength self-compacting concrete in beam-column joints and assessment of its seismic behaviour under reversed cyclic loading. Three interior beam-column subassemblies chosen to vary in concrete type and compressive strength are designed as per the New Zealand Standard NZ3101:2006. The specimens are instrumented to measure the load, displacement/drift, ductility, joint shear deformations, and elongation of the plastic hinge zone. The cracking pattern at different load levels and the mode of failure are also recorded and compared among different specimens.