Abstract:
A database of beam-column joint test results has been assembled and analysed to determine appropriate design drift limits for the prevention of bond failure in reinforced concrete frames. In an existing data base of internal beam column joint tests there was a lack of test results of beams reinforced with high strength reinforcing bar diameters greater than 16mm. To enhance this data base and improve design criteria for bond in internal beam column joint zones a series of tests of beamcolumn sub-assemblies was planned at the University of Auckland. The results of three of these tests are described in the paper. Bond failure occurred in one of these tests with bar buckling limiting the capacity of two of the tests. There is some indication that the quantity of intermediate column bars in the joint zone influences the bond resistance. The results confirm previous observations that the flexibility of beams constructed using high-grade reinforcement, such as Grade 500E, severely reduces the structural ductility factor that should be used in seismic design.