Shear behavior of RC interior joints with beams of different depths under cyclic loading

Abstract

Extensive reinforced concrete interior beam-column joints with beams of different depths have been used in large industrial buildings and tall building structures under the demand of craft or function. The seismic behavior of the joint, particularly the relationship between deformation and strength in the core region of these eccentric reinforced concrete beamcolumn joints, has rarely been investigated. This paper performed a theoretical study on the effects of geometric features on the shear strength of the reinforced concrete interior beam-column joints with beams of different depths, which was critical factor in seismic behavior. A new model was developed to analyze the relationship between the shear strength and deformation based on the Equivalent Strut Mechanism (ESM), which combined the truss model and the diagonal strut model. Additionally, this paper developed a simplified calculation method to estimate the shear strength of these type eccentric joints. The accuracy of the model was verified as the modifying analysis data fitted to the test results, which was a loading test of 6 eccentric joints conducted previously.