Seismic Behavor of RC Beam-Column Joint with Additional Bars under Cyclic Loading

The behavior of Beam-Column Joints in moment resisting frame structures are susceptible to damage caused by seismic effects due to poor performance of the joint.A good number of researches were carried out to understand the complex mechanism of RC joints which are considered in seismic design code practices presently adopted.The traditional construction detailing of transverse reinforcement have shown serious joint failure. This paper introduces a new design philosophy involving the use of additional diagonal bars within the joint particularly suitable for low to medium seismic effects in earthquake zones throughout the world.In lieu to this study,ten(10) full-scale interior beam-column specimens were constructed with various additional reinforcement details and configurations as will be discussed in the later.The experiment provided adequate results to proof the idea of additional bars as suitable approach in reinforced concrete structures where earthquake is eminent.While compared with overall cracking observation during the test,the specimen with additional bars (diagonal and straight) had shown few cracks on the column than the ones without.Furthermore,concrete confinement is certainly an important design method as recommended by certain international codes.