Title: Numerical Models for Beam‐Column Joints in Reinforced Concrete Building Frames

Author(s): Jong‐Su Jeon, Laura N. Lowes, Reginald DesRoches

Publication: Symposium Paper

Volume: 297

Issue:

Appears on pages(s): 1-26

Keywords: Reinforced concrete, beam‐column joint, earthquake, seismic behavior, model, simulation, bond, shear strength.

DOI: 10.14359/51686900

Date: 3/6/2014

Abstract:
The results of laboratory testing and earthquake reconnaissance studies of reinforced concrete frames indicate that beam‐column joint deformation can determine total frame deformation and that for older buildings joint failure can result in frames losing lateral and gravity load carrying capacity. Given the impact of joints on frame response, numerical models used to evaluate the earthquake performance of reinforced concrete frames must include nonlinear joint models. This paper reviews previously proposed models for simulating joint response with the objective of identifying models that provide i) accurate simulation of response to earthquake loading, ii) simple implementation in nonlinear analysis software, iii) numerical robustness, iv) computational efficiency, and v) objective calibration procedures. Ultimately, no set of models was identified that met all of these requirements for the range of geometric and design parameters found in reinforced concrete buildings in the United States. With the objective of extending current modeling capabilities for interior joints, an experimental data set was assembled. The data set was used to evaluate existing envelope response models and used to calibrate cyclic response parameters for use with the preferred existing model. A new response model for interior beam‐column joints is presented that meets the above requirements for the range of geometric and design parameters found in reinforced concrete buildings in the United States.