SEISMIC BEHAVIOR OF INTERNAL REINFORCED CONCRETE BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS: A DETAILED MODELING AND SIMULATION INVESTIGATION

Abstract

In a Seismic Force Resisting System (SFRS), beam-column joints are crucial structuralelements. Failure of these elements may lead to total collapse of a structure. Recent earthquakeshave demonstrated that structural systems designed based on current codes of practice arevulnerable to sever damages, mostly due to undesirable performance of joints. In general, designcodes do not consider the effects of joint characteristics on the behavior of the structure and treatjoints as members which remain elastic during an earthquake. To thoroughly understand the effectsof different design parameters on the behavior of beam-column connections in RC structures andconsequently on the overall performance of SFRS, a wide range of experiments must be carriedout. But prior to a successful setup and conducting any experiments, a theoretical study andnumerical simulation is essential. Therefore, having some reliable F.E. models at our disposalplays a significant role in the field of experimental and theoretical research.This paper first explains, in detail, the process for developing a F.E. model for RC beamcolumnconnections in the simulation environment provided by ANSYS. Next an attempt is madeto study the behavior of RC beam-column joints subjected to seismic forces using the developedmodel. Finally, the effects of main joint characteristics including ductility, moment capacity ratio,type of loading, ultimate loads, over-strength factors and joint transverse reinforcement areinvestigated.