Improved performance of steel fibre reinforced beam-column joint- an experimental study

• Main Authors: Rather, Amer I., Dar, A.R., Fayeq Ghowsi, Ahmad
• Format: Conference Proceeding
• Language: English
• Subjects: Beam-column joint; Ductility; RC member; Steel fibre reinforcement; Strength
• ISSN: 2214-7853; 2214-7853
• DOI: 10.1016/j.matpr.2020.05.674

One of the main causes for devastating failures of RC buildings is the inadequate strength/ductility at critical locations like beam-column joint. The placement of closely spaced reinforcement at the beam-column joints together with the poor compaction of concrete further justify the necessity for effective structural measures to be taken at these joints to avoid such failures. In this context, numerous studies have been carried out in the past, which have mainly focused on the jacketing of joints with different materials. Some studies in the past have also tried to address this issue by internally strengthening the joint also. This paper presents an experimental study on the improved performance of steelfibre reinforced RC beam-column joints. The specimens were tested under horizontal loading that were capable of developing opening moments on the joints and their behaviour was discussed with emphasis on strength, displacement ductility, stiffness and failure mechanism. It was observed that introduction of steel fibres (1.5% by volume) increased the strength, displacement ductility and energy absorption of by 33%, 18% and 232%respectively, although there was a decrease of overall stiffness by 52%. The joint efficiency of the member was increased by a factor of 1.33 by introduction of the same.