An experimental study on the effect of steel fiber reinforced concrete on the behavior of the exterior beam-column joints subjected to reversal cyclic loading

For the ductile behavior of beam-column joints, closely spaced transverse reinforcement is required by earthquake codes. However, placement of this reinforcement in joints always causes some difficulties due to a lack of qualified workmanship. Therefore, it is generally observed that they are not laidout according to the design drawings. Specimens # 1 and # 2 were produced to understand the importance of closely spaced stirrups in joints. Furthermore, the use of steel fiber reinforced concrete in joints was intended to minimize the difficulties and Specimens # 3 and # 4 were produced. These four full scale specimens were tested under reversed cyclic loading. The results of the experiments were evaluated with respect to strength, damage and energy absorption. According to these evaluations, it is shown that the usage of steel fiber reinforced concrete in beam-column joints can be an alternative solution for minimizing the density of transverse reinforcement.