Steel plates rehabilitated RC beam–column joints subjected to vertical cyclic loads

Abstract This paper investigates the cyclic behavior of a two-dimensional RC beam–column joint with beams rehabilitated by steel plates. The retrofitted plates were glued to the both lateral surfaces of the beams and passed continuously through the joint. Some steel plates were further bolted or stiffened with steel strips. The experimental set-ups were particularly arranged for vertical vibrations. An engineering applicable analytical model was developed to predict the flexural strength of the specimens. Additionally, a pair of indices namely, the strength rehabilitation index (SRI) and ductility rehabilitation index (DRI) respectively, were proposed to estimate the decaying of strength and ductility of rehabilitated elements subjected to earthquake. The experimental results verified the suitability of these two indices.