Reinforced concrete (RC) moment frames comprise a significant portion of the built environment in areas with seismic hazards. The beam-to-column joints of these frames are key components that have a significant impact on the structure's behavior. Modern detailing provides sufficient strength within these joints to transfer the forces between the beams and the columns during a seismic event, but existing structures built with poor detailing are still quite prevalent. Identifying the need and extent of retrofits to ensure public safety through nondestructive means is of primary importance. Existing models used to analyze the performance of RC beam-to-column joints have either been developed for modern, well-detailed joints or are simplified so that they do not capture a broad range of phenomena. The present study is aimed to extend a modeling technique based on the nonlinear truss analogy to the analysis of RC beam-to-column joints under cyclic loads. Steel and concrete elements were arranged into a lattice truss structure with zero-length bond-slip springs connecting them. A new steel model was implemented to more accurately capture the constitutive behavior of reinforcing bars. The joint modeling approach captured well the shear response of the joint. It also provided a good indication of the distribution of forces within the joint. The model was validated against three recently tested beam-column subassemblies. These tests represented the detailing practice of poorly-detailed RC moment frames. The analytical results were in good agreement with the experimental data in terms of initial stiffness, strength and damage pattern through the joint. / Master of Science

In structural concrete, hooked bars are used to shorten anchorage length when the requirements for straight bar anchorage cannot be provided within the available dimensions of elements. The objective of this study was to provide an overview of hooked bar anchorage. Design examples and structural details are based on Building code requirements for structural concrete (ACI 318-08) and commentary. Examples of standard hooks in exterior beam-column joint and hooked bar anchorage details for reinforced concrete beam-SRC column joints are discussed. The general behavior of anchorage of hooked reinforcing bars is summarized from a review of previous studies. Then, design requirements for the development length of standard hook are discussed and used in an example. An example of the use of hooked bars in reinforced concrete beam-SRC column joint is provided. Four options for short development length are presented and compared: Adding more reinforcement, welding bars, confinement by steel column flanges, and anchorage by plate welded between flanges. / text

Reinforced concrete beam-column joints (BCJs) are commonly used in structures such as parking garages, multi-storey industrial buildings and road overpasses, which might be exposed to extreme weathering conditions and the application of de-icing salts. The use of the non-corrodible fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing bars in such structures is beneficial to overcome the steel-corrosion problems. However, FRP materials exhibit linear-elastic stress-strain characteristics up to failure, which raises concerns on their performance in BCJs where energy dissipation, through plastic behaviour, is required. The objective of this research project is to assess the seismic behaviour of concrete BCJs reinforced with FRP bars and stirrups. An experimental program was conducted at the University of Manitoba to participate in achieving this objective. Eight full-scale exterior T-shaped BCJs prototypes were constructed and tested under simulated seismic load conditions. The longitudinal and transversal reinforcement types and ratios for the beam and the columns were the main investigated parameters. The experimental results showed that the GFRP reinforced joints can successfully sustain a 4.0% drift ratio without any significant residual deformation. This indicates the feasibility of using GFRP bars and stirrups as reinforcement in the BCJs subjected to seismic-type loading. It was also concluded that, increasing the beam reinforcement ratio, while satisfying the strong column-weak beam concept, can enhance the ability of the joint to dissipate seismic energy. An analytical investigation was conducted through constructing a finite element model using ANSYS-software. The model was verified against the experimental results in this research. Then, a parametric study was performed on number of different parameters known to affect such joints including column axial load, concrete compressive strength, flexural strength ratio and joint transverse reinforcement. It was concluded that 70% of the column axial load capacity can be recommended as an upper limit to the applied axial loads on the column to avoid damage occurrence within the joint. It was also concluded that a minimum flexural strength ratio of 1.50 is recommended to ensure the strong-column weak-beam mechanism. In addition, a minimum joint transverse reinforcement ratio of 0.60% is recommended to insure that the failure will not occur in the joint zone.

Due to the lack of capacity design principles as well as of appropriate structural details, most of the reinforced concrete building designed primarily for gravity loads as typical of pre- 1970s code provisions, are expected and has been demonstrate to suffer sever damage or total collapse under the earthquake excitation. Due to the use of plain round bar and inadequate reinforcing details, critical shear failure in the joint connection region could occur, leading to sever damage when not total collapse of the building. In this research project, a comprehensive experimental programme was carried to investigate the seismic performance of existing beam column joints prior and after retrofit intervention with a recently proposed low-invasive retrofit technique based on a metallic haunch system. The joint performance was evaluated in terms of the principal tensile stresses that caused the joint shear cracks in the joint panel zone. Quasi-static cyclic tests under uni-directional or bidirection loading regime were carried out to record the response of a series of under-designed beam column joints (with either a wide-beam or a deep-beam solution, deformed or plain round bars with end hooks). The experimental results were used to investigate the effect of structural detailing and loading regime on the seismic performance. To retrofit the potential deficiencies in the existing beam-column joints, the feasibility and efficiency of a low invasive retrofit solution based on a diagonal metallic haunch was investigated. The proposed haunch retrofit solution aims to provides an economic, ease of implementation alternative to protect the joint from the brittle shear failure by relocating the beam plastic hinge away form the joint panel zone. To achieve the desired capacity design (hierarchy of strength) and sequence of event, a simplified analytical formulation has been adopted to account for the joint shear strength in terms of principle tensile/compression stresses prior and after the retrofit intervention. A useful visualization tool based on a M-N (moment-axial load) performance domain can be adopted to evaluate the actual performance point and events, by comparing demand vs. capacity. Designed charts are proposed based on displacement compatibility conditions to evaluate the efficiency of the haunch solution. In addition, a complete step-by step design procedure to implement the retrofit strategy and intervention to achieve the desired hierarchy of strength, by using the proposed diagonal metallic haunch solution, is derived and presented. The effectiveness of the proposed haunch solution and reliability of the derived analytical design/assessment procedure, were validated through experimental tests of 2-D and 3-D subassemblies, shown in the first experimental part to have the most vulnerable behaviour in the joint panel zone. Conceptual issues related to the design of the retrofit intervention, when moving from a 2-D to a 3-D behaviour are discussed. The experimental results showed an excellent performance of the proposed intervention, able to protect the panel zone region (by limiting the principle tensile stress demand), while enforcing the formation of a plastic hinge in the beam, far away from the joint interface. As a result, a much more stable inelastic response could be developed, confirming the high potential of such a low-invasive, low-cost retrofit intervention on under-designed frame systems. In conclusion, a simple numerical model, based on a lumped plasticity approach, was developed and validated on the experimental results to capture the full response of the subassembly prior and after the retrofit intervention.

Glass fibre-reinforced polymer (GFRP) reinforcement is used in reinforced concrete (RC) infrastructure to avoid steel corrosion problems. The behaviour of GFRP reinforcement under seismic loading in RC frame structures has not been widely investigated. The behaviour of beam-column joints significantly influences the response of the Seismic Force Resisting Systems. Therefore, both the design and detailing of the beam-column joints are critical to secure a satisfactory seismic performance of these structures. However, the current Canadian FRP design codes (CSA 2012, CSA 2006) have no considerable seismic provisions, if any, due to lack of data and research in this area. Such lack of information does not allow for adequate designs and subsequently limits the implementation of FRP reinforcement as a non-corrodible and sustainable reinforcement in new construction. Therefore, it deemed necessary to track areas of ambiguity and lack of knowledge to provide design provisions and detailing guidelines. This study investigated the seismic behaviour of the GFRP-RC exterior beam-column joints. The study consisted of an experimental phase, in which ten full-scale T-shaped GFRP-RC specimens were constructed and tested to failure, and an analytical phase using finite element modelling (FEM). Specimens in the experimental phase were designed to investigate the anchorage detailing of beam longitudinal reinforcement inside the joint (using either bent bars or headed bars) and to evaluate the shear capacity of the joint. In the analytical phase, a commercial FEM software (ATENA-3D) was used to run a parametric study that investigated the influence of the presence of lateral beams, axial load on the column, applied shear stresses in the joint, and the concrete strength. Test results showed that the performance of the specimens reinforced with GFRP headed bars was comparable to their counterparts reinforced with bent bars up to 4.0% drift ratio. The difference in the reinforcement surface conditions had insignificant influence on the overall behaviour. Moreover, it was concluded that the shear capacity of GFRP-RC beam-column joints is 0.85 √f'c. Furthermore, an evaluation of the relevant seismic provisions in the CSA/S806-12 (CSA 2012) was carried out and some recommendations were proposed for consideration in the future updates of the CSA/S806-12.

Reinforced concrete beam-column joints (BCJs) are commonly used in structures such as parking garages, multi-storey industrial buildings and road overpasses, which might be exposed to extreme weathering conditions and the application of de-icing salts. The use of the non-corrodible fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) reinforcing bars in such structures is beneficial to overcome the steel-corrosion problems. However, FRP materials exhibit linear-elastic stress-strain characteristics up to failure, which raises concerns on their performance in BCJs where energy dissipation, through plastic behaviour, is required. The objective of this research project is to assess the seismic behaviour of concrete BCJs reinforced with FRP bars and stirrups. An experimental program was conducted at the University of Manitoba to participate in achieving this objective. Eight full-scale exterior T-shaped BCJs prototypes were constructed and tested under simulated seismic load conditions. The longitudinal and transversal reinforcement types and ratios for the beam and the columns were the main investigated parameters. The experimental results showed that the GFRP reinforced joints can successfully sustain a 4.0% drift ratio without any significant residual deformation. This indicates the feasibility of using GFRP bars and stirrups as reinforcement in the BCJs subjected to seismic-type loading. It was also concluded that, increasing the beam reinforcement ratio, while satisfying the strong column-weak beam concept, can enhance the ability of the joint to dissipate seismic energy. An analytical investigation was conducted through constructing a finite element model using ANSYS-software. The model was verified against the experimental results in this research. Then, a parametric study was performed on number of different parameters known to affect such joints including column axial load, concrete compressive strength, flexural strength ratio and joint transverse reinforcement. It was concluded that 70% of the column axial load capacity can be recommended as an upper limit to the applied axial loads on the column to avoid damage occurrence within the joint. It was also concluded that a minimum flexural strength ratio of 1.50 is recommended to ensure the strong-column weak-beam mechanism. In addition, a minimum joint transverse reinforcement ratio of 0.60% is recommended to insure that the failure will not occur in the joint zone.

No description available.

In the past few years, some experimental investigations have been conducted to verify seismic behaviour of fiber reinforced polymer reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) beam-column joints. Those researches were mainly focused on exterior beam-column joints without lateral beams. However, lateral beams, commonly exist in buildings, can significantly improve seismic performance of the joints. Moreover, the way the longitudinal beam bars are anchored in the joint, either using headed-end or bent bars, was not adequately addressed. This study aims to fill these gaps and investigate the shear capacity of FRP-RC exterior beam-column joints confined with lateral beams, and the effect of beam reinforcement anchorage on their seismic behaviour. Six full-scale exterior beam-column joints were constructed and tested to failure under reversal cyclic loading. Test results showed that the presence of lateral beams significantly increased the shear capacity of the joints. Moreover, replacing bent bars with headed-end bars resulted in more ductile behaviour of the joints.

In the past few years, some experimental investigations have been conducted to verify seismic behaviour of fiber reinforced polymer reinforced concrete (FRP-RC) beam-column joints. Those researches were mainly focused on exterior beam-column joints without lateral beams. However, lateral beams, commonly exist in buildings, can significantly improve seismic performance of the joints. Moreover, the way the longitudinal beam bars are anchored in the joint, either using headed-end or bent bars, was not adequately addressed. This study aims to fill these gaps and investigate the shear capacity of FRP-RC exterior beam-column joints confined with lateral beams, and the effect of beam reinforcement anchorage on their seismic behaviour. Six full-scale exterior beam-column joints were constructed and tested to failure under reversal cyclic loading. Test results showed that the presence of lateral beams significantly increased the shear capacity of the joints. Moreover, replacing bent bars with headed-end bars resulted in more ductile behaviour of the joints.

[pt] O crescimento dos problemas de vibrações excessivas em edificações oriundos de atividades humanas rítmicas tem conduzido à necessidade de desenvolvimento de critérios específicos para projetos estruturais submetidos à ação dessas cargas dinâmicas. Esta foi uma das motivações para o desenvolvimento de uma metodologia de análise para investigação da resposta dinâmica de sistemas estruturais de pisos mistos (aço-concreto). Objetiva-se verificar a influência da interação aço-concreto (interação total e parcial) e, bem como, das ligações estruturais (ligações viga-coluna e viga-viga), sobre a resposta dinâmica não linear de pisos mistos (aço-concreto). Deste modo, são utilizados três modelos de carregamento dinâmico representativos das atividades humanas rítmicas referentes a saltos à vontade e ginástica aeróbica. As cargas dinâmicas são obtidas por meio de testes experimentais e, também, com base em normas e recomendações internacionais de projeto. Com referência a interação aço-concreto, vários tipos de conectores (tipo stud e perfobond) são considerados ao longo da investigação. Mesmo sabendo-se que a análise de vibrações de pisos induzidas por atividades humanas tem sido alvo de inúmeras investigações ao longo dos últimos dois séculos (1828-2012), os autores desconhecem na literatura técnica um trabalho de pesquisa tão abrangente, no que diz respeito à análise dinâmica não linear de pisos mistos (aço-concreto) submetidos à ação de atividades humanas rítmicas, com base na consideração dos efeitos dos conectores (interação aço-concreto) e das ligações (viga-coluna e viga-viga). Diante do exposto, o quadro global investigado neste trabalho de pesquisa demonstra, claramente, um indicativo de que os critérios de projeto devem levar em conta o caráter dinâmico da excitação e, especialmente, a influência da interação aço-concreto e das ligações estruturais, no que tange a verificação dos estados limites de utilização (conforto humano), associados ao comportamento estrutural de pisos mistos de edificações. / [en] The increasing incidence of building vibration problems due to human activities led to a specific design criterion to be addressed in structural design. This was the main motivation for the development of a design methodology centred on the steel-concrete composite floors non-linear dynamic response submitted to loads due to human rhythmic activities. This way, the main objective of this work is to investigate the influence of steel-concrete interaction degree (from total to various levels of partial interaction) and the beam-to-column and beam-to-beam connections effect over the non-linear dynamic behaviour of composite floors. Thus, three dynamic loading models were utilized, in order to simulate human rhythmic activities such as jumping and aerobic gymnastics. The dynamic loads were obtained through experimental tests and based on international design codes and recommendations. Regarding the steel-concrete interaction degree, the stud and perfobond connectors are considered in this investigation. Even though this topic has been studied in the technical literature for nearly two centuries, the steel-concrete composite floors non-linear dynamic analysis submitted to human rhythmic activities has not yet been addressed so comprehensively, as far as the authors are concerned in this investigation, based on the consideration of the connectors (steel-concrete interaction degree) and connections (beam-to-column and beam-to-beam) effects. Considering all aspects mentioned before, the results have demonstrated that the design criteria should include the original nature of the dynamic excitation and, specially, the steel-concrete interaction degree and structural connections effects when the steel-concrete composite floors structural behaviour, related to the serviceability limit states (human comfort) are investigated.