Finite Element Modeling on behavior of Reinforced Concrete Beam­ Column Joints Retrofitted with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer Sheets

Recent earthquakes have demonstrated that most of the reinforced concrete structures were severely damaged during earthquakes and they need major repair works. Beam­ column joints, being the lateral and vertical load resisting members in reinforced concrete structures are particularly vulnerable to failures during earthquakes. The existing reinforced concrete beam­column joints which are not designed as per code IS 13920:1993 must be strengthened since they do not meet the ductility requirements. The finite element method (FEM) has become a staple for predicting and simulating the physical behavior of complex engineering systems. The commercial finite element analysis (FEA) programs have gained common acceptance among engineers in industry and researchers. The details of the finite element analysis of beam­column joints retrofitted with carbon fiber reinforced polymer sheets (CFRP) carried out using the package ANSYS are presented in this paper. Three exterior reinforced concrete beam­ column joint specimens were modeled using ANSYS package. The first specimen is the control specimen. This had reinforcement as per code IS 456:2000. The second specimen which is also the control specimen. This had reinforcement as per code IS 13920:1993. The third specimen had reinforcement as per code IS 456:2000 and was retrofitted with carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) sheets. During the analysis both the ends of column were hinged. Static load was applied at the free end of the cantilever beam up to a controlled load. The performance of the retrofitted beam­column joint was compared with the control specimens and the results are presented in this paper.