Seismic Performance of Rc Beam-Column Joint in Residential Building Construction

Abstract

Reinforced concrete (RC) beam-column joints, particularly those without transverse reinforcement in the joint region, can exhibit brittle behavior when subjected to significant damage during seismic events. This brittle response undermines the ductile design philosophy and the expected performance of the structure under seismic loading. This study investigates the seismic performance of RC beam-column joints, focusing on the impact of transverse reinforcement and joint detailing on structural behavior. A nonlinear finite element analysis (FEA) is conducted using a 3D model to simulate concrete stress-strain behavior, cracking, and the steel-concrete bond. The concrete damage plasticity model is applied throughout the entire geometry to capture the nonlinear behavior of the concrete material. The numerical model in ABAQUS is validated against experimental data from both exterior and interior beam-column joints. The FEA examines the load-displacement behavior and damage patterns in the joints, comparing designs under NBC105:2020, IS1893:2016, and NBC205:2012 against nonengineered joints. The results demonstrate that joints detailed per NBC105:2020 exhibit higher ultimate load capacities and greater durability under cyclic loading, with wider hysteresis loops indicating superior energy dissipation and ductility. This study underscores the critical role of shear reinforcement in preventing brittle behavior and enhancing the seismic resilience of RC structures.