Code investigation and Experimental study of wide beam-column connections

Abstract

In this paper, seismic behavior of wide beams was investigated. First, code provisions and results of previous tests on reinforcement concrete wide beam-column connections were reviewed. After precise investigation of previous test results and in order to detailed study of behavior of wide joints, 4 specimens of exterior wide beam-column connections in scale of 3:5 were casted and tested under constant axial and cyclic lateral lateral loads. The specimens were designed and detailed in accordance with ACI 318-14 and ACI 352R-02. In tested specimens, differet geometries for columns (square, rectangular or circular) and spandre beams (wide or conventional) were considered. During the tsets, formation of full-width flexural plastic hinge of wide beams was observed in all the specimens without any shear or torsional failure. Energy absorption of specimens was relatively high and that is because of using stirrups at the joint area and axial loads apllied to columns. The width of spandrel beam and geometry of columns influenced the seismic performance of tested specimens. A comparison between experimental results and ACI provisions showed that dimentional limitations of ACI 318 on wide beams can be violated. Also, in wide joints with axial load ratio greater than 15%, the bond performance of column longitudinal bars is improved and ACI 352R provisions in this context can be relaxed.