Shear Strength of Exterior Beam-Column Joints with Limited Ductility Details

Abstract

The seismic performance of exterior beam-column joints in low-rise buildings with limited ductility details was investigated. Seven exterior beam-column connection specimens were prepared for cyclic loading tests, and the major test parameters were the column depth and joint shear reinforcement details. In the specimens, joint shear failure occurred before beam or column yielding. The shear strength of the exterior joints increased as the column depth (i.e., joint depth) and the area of shear reinforcements increased. Despite the nonseismic reinforcement details, U-shaped bars and 90°-hooked hoops with a spacing of one-third of the column depth increased the joint shear strength. As a result, flexural beam yielding occurred in several specimens. The joint shear strengths were compared with the predictions by current design codes, and the effects of the test parameters were investigated. Based on the results, a shear strength equation for exterior joints was proposed that is applicable to nonseismic details.