Experimental investigation of 3d RC exterior joint retrofitted with fully-fastened-haunch-retrofit-solution

Abstract

In recent years, the use of post-installed anchors to connect the haunch elements with the structural members has been investigated proficiently. It represents a promising alternative for strengthening of joints of existing reinforce concrete (RC) structures (moment resisting frames) with low invasion. The efficacy of the fully-fastened-haunch-retrofit (FFHR) solution has been proven by past works for two-dimensional RC beam-to-column joints, subjected to cyclic loading, without transverse beam and slab. In these cases, the presence of the haunch, providing a suitable design of the anchoring system, modifies the strength hierarchy shifting the mode of failure from joint’s shear breakout to the formation of the plastic hinge in the beam. However, due to the presence of the slab and transverse beam, as the authors discussed elsewhere, an increase both (i) in the joint resistance and (ii) in the beam flexural resistance must be expected, but particular care must be taken to the non-symmetric behavior. In this regard, results obtained for two RC beam-to-column sub-assemblies with transverse beam and slab retrofitted using FFHR are presented. The structural behavior under cyclic load is compared with the as-built identical specimen. The applicability of the FFHR to existing RC structures, is confirmed but, at high level of ductility demand, both anchorage break-down and reduced displacement capacity are observed.