Failure mechanism and dynamic response of reinforced concrete joints under impact load acting on beam ends

Beam-column joints are crucial to guarantee the integrity and ductility of reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures. Considering the strain rate effect, the failure mechanism of RC beam-column joints under impact load acting on the beam near the core area of joints was numerically investigated. Based on the verified numerical model, the differences between failure modes of joints under static and dynamic loads were compared. The deformation and damage of joints were analyzed. In addition, the effects of impact location and impact velocity were discussed. The results show that the joints that meet the shear demand under static load have shear failure under impact load. The impact load causes greater deformation and damage to the joints. The transfer of the shear force and the development of the bending moment is different as the impact location changes, resulting in various dynamic responses. As the impact location approaches the core area, the joint evolves from bending failure to shear failure. The maximum shear force only appears at the impact location when the distance between the impact location and the core area is more than 3.5 times the width of the core area (b). However, the rotation of the joint causes the yield of the stirrup in the core area. It is worth noting that when the distance is less than or equal to 2b, the maximum shear force is transmitted to the core area. With the decrease of the distance, the time history curves of impact force have multiple peaks with increased peak values while the displacement and duration decrease. The damage range of the joint is expanded when impacted with higher velocities. Meanwhile, the magnitude and duration of impact force, as well as displacement are increased. With the decrease of distance or impact velocity, more energy is consumed by concrete rather than rebars due to the smaller rotational deformation of the joint.