The elastic behaviour of earthquake resistant reinforced concrete interior beam-column joints.

Abstract

This report is concerned with the theoretical and experimental study of the behaviour of interior reinforced concrete beam-column joints under simulated earthquake loading. An experimental program investigated the performance of two beam-column joint subassemblages subjected to static cyclic loading within elastic limits. The post-elastic behaviour of the two test units was then examined by testing to failure. A theoretical method for analysis of the joint shear resisting mechanisms is reviewed and analyses of prototype beam-column joints are reported. Results of this analysis were then compared with those obtained from the test units. The design method is shown to provide a satisfactory and conservative estimate of the joint shear reinforcement required in an elastic beam-column joint. The failure of the joints in the test units verified the expectations that their response to inelastic seismic load demands would have been unsatisfactory.