Testing and Numerical Modeling of PVC-CFRP Confined Concrete Column-Reinforced Concrete Beam Joint under Axial Load

Abstract

This paper presents an experimental study on behavior of PVC-CFRP confined concrete column-reinforced concrete beam joint (PCCC-RCBJ) subjected to axial load. All specimens are designed on the basis of the concept of weak joint and strong column, and different parameters, such as stirrup ratio $$\rho_{{{\text{sv}}}}$$ , width b, reinforcement ratio $$\rho_{{\text{s}}}$$ , and height h of ring beam, are considered. Test results demonstrate that all PCCC-RCBJs are damaged by the crushing of concrete in the joint zone. The load–displacement curves including elastic stage, development stage of cracks, and yield stage are established. The carrying capacity of PCCC-RCBJs increases as stirrup ratio $$\rho_{{{\text{sv}}}}$$ , width b or reinforcement ratio $$\rho_{{\text{s}}}$$ increase, while it decreases with the increase in height h. The variation trend of the ultimate displacement for PCCC-RCBJs is similar to that of the carrying capacity. In addition, the constitutive model of materials is properly defined and a validated finite element (FE) model for the PCCC-RCBJs under axial load is employed to conduct parametric studies to widen the available test results about their behaviors.