Seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement

To investigate the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement, two groups of specimens with or without X-shaped reinforcement in joint core region were tested under constant axial compression load and low reversed cyclic loading, which imitated low to moderate earthquake force. The seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints with X-shaped reinforcement in terms of bearing capacity, displacement, ductility, hysteretic curve, stiffness degradation and energy dissipation was studied and compared to that without Xshaped reinforcement in joint core region. With the damage estimation model, the accumulated damage was analyzed. The shearing capacity formula of specially shaped column joints reinforced by X-shaped reinforcement was proposed with a simple form. The test results show that X-shaped reinforcement is an effective measure for improving the seismic behavior of specially shaped column joints including deformation behavior, ductility and hysteretic characteristic. All specimens were damaged with gradual stiffness degeneration. In addition, X-shaped reinforcement in the joint core region is an effective way to lighten the degree of cumulated damage. The good seismic performance obtained from the specially shaped column joint with X-shaped reinforcement can be used in engineering applications. The test value is higher than the calculated value, which indicates that the formula is safe for the design of specially shaped column joints. © 2013 Tianjin University and Springer-Verlag Berlin Heidelberg.