Study on Seismic Resilience of High-Performance Concrete Beam-Column Joints

Abstract

Beam columns and slabs play a vital role as structural elements in any framed structure. When these components come
together, they create a cohesive structural system. In a reinforced concrete moment-resisting frame, the beam-column
joints are critical areas for effectively transferring loads between the beams and columns. These joints are particularly
important because they experience significant forces during intense ground shaking. The primary function of a joint
is to allow the connected members to reach and maintain their ultimate capacity. Under seismic loading, the demands
on this relatively small element can be quite severe, which is why beam-column joints need to possess adequate
strength and stiffness to handle the internal forces generated by the adjacent members. Traditional methods like steel
and reinforced concrete jacketing come with their own set of drawbacks. This highlights the need for innovative
techniques to address the limitations of conventional strengthening systems. Fiber-reinforced polymers have emerged
as a solution for enhancing the strength of beam-column joints made from standard concrete. In this approach, the
beam-column joint is built using normal strength concrete, while the core of the joint is made with high-performance,
high-strength concrete. These joints are then reinforced with various patterns of fiber-reinforced polymers, and their
performance is evaluated to inform the design of FRP systems for strengthening such structures”.