Experimental Investigation of Nonductile RC Corner Beam-Column Joints with Floor Slabs

Abstract

The paper presents the experimental investigation of full-scale RC corner beam-column joints without transverse reinforcement in the joint region leading to nonductile behavior in many exiting RC buildings. The experimental study considered two design parameters: joint aspect ratio and beam longitudinal reinforcement ratio. Four corner beam-column joint specimens were constructed with transverse beams and floor slabs and tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. The specimens experienced joint shear failure without beam hinging mechanism as a result of the absence of transverse reinforcement in the joint region. On the basis of the test results, the paper discusses the effects of these two design parameters and the floor slab on the behavior of corner beam-column joints. The joint shear strengths obtained from the test specimens are compared with the strength recommendations of the ASCE/SEI 41-06 provisions.