SEISMIC PERFORMANCE OF OLDER BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS

Performance evaluation of a non-ductile reinforced concrete frame requires reliable estimates of the engineering response, including strength, stiffness, and damage states. Typically, the components that contribute to the response include beams, column, and joints. Although a significant number of studies have addressed the response of older beams and columns, few have evaluated the response of older beamcolumn joints. These older joints typically have no transverse reinforcement but in some cases may be subjected to high joint shear stress demands. The influence of the joint deformations on the response can be significant, but, in engineering practice, the joints are typically modeled as rigid elements and the effects of their deformations are neglected.