CHAPTER 6

BEHAVIOUR OF BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS

This chapter presents the results of the studies conducted on the beam-column joints.
Experimental as well as analytical results are interpreted and are followed by discussions
regarding the behaviour of beam-column joints considering various structural parameters.

6.1 EXPERIMENTAL RESULTS OF BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS

The half scaled models of beam-column joints were tested in a loading frame and the load along
with deflections at four positions as given in the experimental setup were noted with the help
of proving ring and dial gauges respectively.

Development of first crack and failure patterns related to the propagation of cracks is noted for
each specimen. Load and corresponding dial gauge readings for NBCJ, FRBCJ, VRNBCJ, and
IRNBCJ specimens are given in tables 6.1 to 6.4 respectively. The formation of the first crack
along with the corresponding loads are given figure 6.1. The final failure patterns in terms of
development of cracks for NBCJ, FRBCJ, VRNBCJ, and IRNBCJ specimens are given in
figures 6.2 to 6.5 respectively.

6.1.1 NBCJ Specimen

The NBCJ specimen developed the first crack at joint face of beam at a 4.35 kN load which
propagates in the joint area. Subsequent cracks are developed at the core section of joint and
minor cracks are observed in beam and column sections until load reaches it maximum value
of 11.02 kN at which the specimen fails.

6.1.2 FRBCJ Specimen

It is observed that first crack at 6.33 kN is developed vertically in the beam at the column face
on both the faces of joint. Second minor crack is observed in the beam section near to the joint.
As the load increased, subsequent major tensile crack is observed in the main core region of the
joint diagonally, along with some minor cracks in the joint region with further increase in
loading till failure load of 11.85 kN.

6.1.3 IRNBCJ Specimen

First crack is developed at the column face in the beam section at loading of 5.81 kN. With
increase in loading, last crack is developed at the junction of RPC with conventional concrete
with nearly same inclination of 30° at loading of 11.44 kN showing bond failure.

105
6.1.4 VRNBCJ Specimen

First crack is developed vertically at the junction of beam and column at both faces at loading
of 4.54 kN. Crack is developed in core region at failure load of 11.02 kN.

(a) Formation of first crack-NBCJ (b) Formation of first crack-FRBCJ

(FCL-4.35 kN) (FCL-6.33 kN)

(c) Formation of first crack-IRNBCJ (d) Formation of first crack-VRNBCJ

(FCL-5.81 kN) (FCL-4.54 kN)
Figure 6.1 Formation of first crack in beam-column joint specimen

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(a) Crack pattern on face A (b) Crack pattern on face B
Figure 6.2 Crack pattern at failure-NBCJ specimen

(a) Crack pattern on face A (b) Crack pattern on face B

Figure 6.3 Crack pattern at failure-FRBCJ specimen

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(a) Crack pattern on face A (b) Crack pattern on face B
Figure 6.4 Crack pattern at failure-IRNBCJ specimen

(a) Crack pattern on face A (b) Crack pattern on face B

Figure 6.5 Crack pattern at failure-VRNBCJ specimen

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 Table 6.1 Experimental results for NBCJ specimen

Proving Deflection (mm) at positions of Crack observation

Sr. Calibrated
Ring Dial Dial Dial Dial Face A Face B
No. load (kN)
Reading Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 cracking cracking
1 0 0.00 0 0 0 0
2 0 0.19 0.5 0.25 0 0.01
3 0.05 0.60 0.85 0.52 0.2 0.44
4 0.1 1.02 1.75 0.72 0.48 0.84
5 0.15 1.44 1.95 0.9 1 1.51
6 0.2 1.85 2 0.95 1.38 2.04
7 0.2 1.85 2.5 1 1.65 2.54
8 0.25 2.27 3.1 1.2 1.98 3.101
9 0.25 2.27 3.75 1.25 2.3 3.602
10 0.3 2.69 3.95 1.5 2.58 4.05
11 0.35 3.10 4.1 1.7 2.97 4.55
12 0.4 3.52 4.25 1.72 3.3 5
13 0.4 3.52 4.55 1.78 3.72 5.51
14 0.45 3.94 5.2 1.9 4.28 6.05
15 0.5 4.35 5.49 2.2 4.58 6.62 Crack 1
16 0.55 4.77 6.2 3 4.12 7.12 Crack 1
17 0.6 5.19 6.35 3.175 5.2 7.75
18 0.65 5.60 6.45 3.225 5.46 8.3 Crack2 Crack 2
19 0.7 6.02 6.79 3.395 5.72 8.94
20 0.75 6.44 6.8 3.4 6.02 9.63
21 0.85 7.27 7.25 3.625 6.28 10.19
22 0.9 7.69 8.05 4.025 6.55 10.78 Crack 3 Crack 3
23 0.95 8.10 8.15 4.075 6.88 11.49
24 1 8.52 8.15 4.075 7.05 12.13
25 1 8.52 8.35 4.175 7.32 12.79
26 1.05 8.94 8.35 4.175 7.5 13.26
27 0.9 7.69 8.35 4.175 7.75 13.73
28 1 8.52 8.35 4.175 8.04 14.31 Crack 4 Crack 4
29 1.05 8.94 7.95 3.975 8.04 15.09
30 1.1 9.35 7.75 3.875 8.04 16.17 Crack 5
31 1.15 9.77 7.5 3.75 8.04 16.9
32 1.2 10.19 7.4 3.7 8.04 17.65
33 1.2 10.19 7.3 3.65 8.04 18.33
34 1.2 10.19 7.8 3.9 8.04 19.59
35 1.25 10.60 8.25 4.125 8.04 19.73
36 1.25 10.60 8 4 8.04 20.64
37 1.3 11.02 8 4 8.04 21.63
38 1.3 11.02 8.05 4.025 8.04 22.46 Crack 6
39 1.3 11.02 8.05 4.025 8.04 23.1 Crack 5
40 1.3 11.02 8.05 4.025 8.04 23.83 Crack 6 Crack 7

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 Table 6.2 Experimental results for FRBCJ specimen

Proving Deflection (mm) at positions of Crack observation

Sr. No. Calibrated
ring Dial Dial Dial Dial Face A Face B
Load
reading Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 cracking cracking
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0.1 1.03 0.01 0 0.18 0.28
3 0.15 1.44 0.06 0 0.28 0.65
4 0.2 1.85 0.2 0 0.51 1.07
5 0.25 2.27 0.64 0 0.68 1.46
6 0.3 2.69 0.98 0 0.78 1.74
7 0.33 2.99 1.09 0 0.92 2.01
8 0.35 3.1 1.22 0 1.02 2.26
9 0.4 3.52 1.43 0 1.09 2.8
10 0.43 3.74 1.59 0 1.54 3.48
11 0.47 4 1.78 0 1.77 3.74
12 0.48 4.48 2.06 0 2.01 4.22
13 0.52 4.87 2.24 0 2.22 4.56
14 0.57 5.04 2.43 0 2.32 4.78
15 0.58 5.29 2.58 0 2.45 5.02
16 0.63 5.63 2.76 0 2.68 5.56
17 0.65 5.81 2.93 0 2.81 5.82
18 0.67 6.09 3.1 0 2.96 6.16
19 0.68 6.33 3.2 0.4 3.08 6.53
20 0.71 6.79 3.32 0.4 3.36 6.92 Crack 1
21 0.73 6.98 3.48 0.6 3.51 7.26
22 0.75 7.06 3.67 0.6 3.64 7.48
23 0.78 7.81 3.88 0.62 4.03 8.28
24 0.82 8.01 3.95 0.62 4.26 8.62
25 0.87 8.41 4.03 0.62 4.39 8.94 Crack 2 Crack 1
26 0.87 8.86 4.12 0.92 4.46 9.05 Crack 3
27 0.91 9.11 4.3 0.92 4.75 9.56 Crack 2
28 0.93 9.32 4.41 0.92 4.96 10.02
29 0.95 9.56 4.92 0.92 5.28 10.68
30 0.96 9.95 5.44 0.92 5.58 11.24
31 0.99 10.14 5.62 1.2 5.99 11.98
32 1.02 10.31 6.37 1.2 6.15 12.38 Crack 4
33 1.04 10.58 6.49 1.8 6.42 12.86
34 1.07 10.88 6.93 1.8 6.64 13.32 Crack 5 Crack 3
35 1.09 11.05 7.63 2 6.89 13.84
36 1.13 11.24 7.9 2.4 7.66 15.42 Crack 4
37 1.15 11.44 8.12 2.6 8.01 16.08 Crack 5
38 1.17 11.62 8.39 3 8.39 16.82 Crack 6
39 1.2 11.85 8.62 3 8.82 17.68
40 1.2 11.85 8.62 3.3 9.06 18.19

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 Table 6.3 Experimental results for IRNBCJ specimen

Proving Deflection (mm) at positions of Crack observation

Calibrated
Sr. No. ring Dial Dial Dial Dial Face A Face B
Load (kN)
reading Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 cracking cracking
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0.15 1.44 0.09 0 0.04 0.13
3 0.15 1.44 0.15 0 0.18 0.42
4 0.2 1.85 0.28 0.06 0.32 0.94
5 0.25 2.27 0.35 0.2 0.48 1.05
6 0.3 2.69 0.42 0.28 0.61 1.31
7 0.35 3.1 0.53 0.32 0.81 1.79
8 0.4 3.52 0.66 0.44 1.08 2.78
9 0.45 3.94 0.8 0.54 1.36 2.91
10 0.5 4.35 1.05 0.7 1.44 3.08
11 0.5 4.35 1.12 0.7 1.62 3.41
12 0.55 4.77 1.35 0.9 1.82 3.78
13 0.55 4.77 1.48 0.98 1.96 4.09
14 0.6 5.18 1.65 1 2.09 4.33
15 0.65 5.81 1.85 1.14 2.26 4.74
16 0.67 6.09 2.05 1.26 2.42 5.02 Crack 1 Crack 1
17 0.67 6.09 2.13 1.36 2.58 5.39
18 0.7 6.44 2.24 1.46 2.9 5.96
19 0.7 6.44 2.39 1.52 2.98 6.17
20 0.73 6.98 2.51 1.52 3.28 6.68
21 0.75 7.06 2.64 1.64 3.41 6.99
22 0.77 7.49 2.72 1.72 3.52 7.22 Crack 2 Crack 2
23 0.78 7.81 2.9 1.72 3.65 7.51 Crack 3
24 0.82 8.01 3.05 1.78 3.82 7.83
25 0.87 8.41 3.32 1.88 3.98 8.13
26 0.87 8.86 3.4 1.88 4.15 8.49 Crack 3
27 0.9 8.94 3.52 1.9 4.4 8.98
28 0.9 8.94 3.6 1.92 4.64 9.42 Crack 4
29 0.93 9.32 3.75 1.94 5.01 10.13
30 0.95 9.56 3.9 1.98 5.31 10.75
31 0.95 9.56 4.01 2.02 5.63 11.43
32 1 10.18 4.12 2.02 5.96 12.08
33 1 10.18 4.2 2.04 6.3 12.71
34 1.05 10.6 4.3 2.06 6.6 13.29 Crack 4
35 1.05 10.6 4.38 2.08 6.96 14
36 1.1 11.02 4.5 2.12 7.09 14.29
37 1.1 11.02 4.6 2.12 7.09 14.79
38 1.15 11.44 4.6 2.16 7.55 15.16 Crack 5
39 1.15 11.44 4.63 2.16 7.84 15.74 Crack 5
40 1.15 11.44 4.65 2.16 8.14 16.33 Crack 6

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 Table 6.4 Experimental results for specimen VRNBCJ

Proving Deflection (mm) at positions of Crack observation

Calibrated
Sr. No. ring Dial Dial Dial Dial Face A Face B
Load (kN)
reading Gauge 1 Gauge 2 Gauge 3 Gauge 4 cracking cracking
1 0 0 0 0 0 0
2 0.1 1.03 0.02 0 0.06 0.17
3 0.15 1.43 0.1 0 0.18 0.77
4 0.2 1.85 0.25 0 0.32 1.05
5 0.25 2.27 0.4 0.02 0.86 1.86
6 0.3 2.69 0.5 0.02 0.98 2.01
7 0.35 3.1 0.55 0.04 1.22 2.55
8 0.4 3.52 0.63 0.08 1.42 3.13
9 0.45 3.94 0.72 0.1 1.54 3.5
10 0.5 4.35 0.8 0.1 1.77 3.86
11 0.5 4.35 0.82 0.12 1.93 4.15
12 0.53 4.54 0.83 0.12 2.24 4.66
13 0.55 4.77 0.9 0.18 2.35 4.92 Crack 1
14 0.57 5.04 0.92 0.18 2.58 5.28
15 0.57 5.04 0.95 0.18 2.79 5.78 Crack 1
16 0.6 5.18 0.96 0.24 3.02 6.36
17 0.6 5.18 0.98 0.28 3.32 6.94
18 0.63 5.63 1 0.31 3.68 7.6 Crack 2 Crack 2
19 0.65 5.81 1.05 0.31 3.98 8.2
20 0.67 6.09 1.06 0.36 4.36 8.82
21 0.67 6.09 1.18 0.36 4.52 9.29
22 0.71 6.79 1.29 0.4 4.92 10.01
23 0.73 6.98 1.34 0.4 5.27 10.63
24 0.75 7.06 1.48 0.46 5.42 11.14
25 0.77 7.49 2.02 0.48 5.71 11.79
26 0.78 7.81 2.12 0.5 6.04 12.4
27 0.82 8.01 2.2 0.52 6.48 13.14
28 0.87 8.41 2.42 0.52 6.84 13.84 Crack 3
29 0.87 8.86 2.66 0.57 7.15 14.53
30 0.93 9.32 2.74 0.59 7.66 15.46 Crack 3
31 0.93 9.32 2.88 0.66 8.01 16.22
32 0.95 9.56 2.96 0.74 8.5 17.32
33 0.96 9.95 3.02 0.8 8.89 18.02 Crack 4
34 0.99 10.14 3.11 0.88 9.36 18.92
35 1 10.18 3.29 0.92 9.8 19.78 Crack 4
36 1.05 10.6 3.42 0.96 10.01 20.24
37 1.08 10.9 3.57 0.98 10.42 20.98
38 1.1 11.02 3.68 1.12 10.72 21.46 Crack 5
39 1.1 11.02 3.72 1.46 10.96 21.93 Crack 6
40 1.1 11.02 3.8 1.6 11 22.2

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6.1.5 Detailed Observations of the Behaviour of Models

After observing the failed beam-column joint specimens at the end of the experimental tests on,
important observations are noted in table 6.5. These observations are picked from the main
observation tables tabulated for NBCJ, FRBCJ, VRNBCJ, and IRNBCJ specimens from table
6.1 to table 6.4. The observations are focussed on first crack load, corresponding deflection of
tip of the beam, location of crack and propagation of the crack till the specimens fail completely.
Emphasis on whether the crack occurs in beam, column or joint portion is made. The sequence
of the failure of the elements is also observed.

Table 6.5 Detailed observations of crack propagation for various specimens

Crack Load Deflection

Location
No (kN) (mm)
NBCJ

1 4.35 6.62 First diagonal crack propagating into joint.

2 5.19 7.75 Another diagonal crack opposite to 1st crack in joint.

Vertically downward crack in beam near to 1st stirrup

3 7.27 10.19
developed.

4 7.69 13.73 Diagonal crack at centre of joint.

5 8.94 15.09 Diagonal propagation of 4th crack.

6 11.02 21.63 Diagonal crack at the base of joint.

FRBCJ

1 6.33 6.53 Vertical crack at beam-column junction.

Vertically downward crack in the beam approximately near

2 8.01 8.62
to 1st stirrup.

3 8.41 8.94 Vertical downward propagation of 1st crack.

4 10.14 11.98 Diagonal large crack in joint.

5 10.58 12.86 Diagonal crack opposite to crack 4 in joint.

Vertical downward propagation of 1st crack till the base of

6 11.44 17.68
beam.

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 VRNBCJ

1 4.54 4.66 Vertical crack developed at connecting face of joint.

2 5.18 6.94 Vertical downward propagation of 1st crack.

3 8.01 13.14 Vertical crack near to 1st stirrup.

Diagonal crack in joint & propagation of 1st crack in upper

4 9.56 17.32
face of joint.

Vertically upward propagation of 4th crack into upper

5 10.9 20.98
column.

Horizontal propagation of 3rd crack into upper face of

6 11.02 21.46
beam. Crack propagation in column.

IRNBCJ

1 5.81 4.74 Vertical crack just near to 1st stirrup.

2 7.06 6.99 Small diagonal crack in joint from top.

3 8.14 8.13 Vertical downward crack in beam beyond first stirrup.

4 10.81 12.71 Horizontal crack near to upper face of joint.

5 11.02 14.79 Crack parallel to bond line in beam.

6 11.44 16.33 Propagation of the crack along bond interface.

It is observed that for NBCJ, the first crack is diagonal crack propagating in beam-column joint
area at 4.35 kN with 6.62 mm deflection under the load. Further minor cracks were developed
in the joint area itself. At quite later stage a vertical crack is developed in the beam near to first
stirrup from column face. This is at load of 7.27 kN with 10.19 mm tip deflection. All other
cracks are developed completely in the joint area leading to final failure at 11.02 kN

In all the specimens with RPC, the crack is not initiated in the joint area.

In FRBCJ, first crack develops at the beam-column junction comparatively at higher load of
6.33 kN with tip deflection of 6.53 mm. The diagonal crack in the joint occurs very much at
later stage at a load of 10.14 kN (11.98 mm tip deflection), and the specimen fails later with the
downward propagation of the first vertical crack up to the bottom of the beam a 11.85 kN.

In VRNBCJ specimen, first crack develops in beam at develops at face of joint at load of 4.54
kN with 4.66 mm tip deflection. Vertical crack near stirrups occurs at 8.01 load. The diagonal

114
crack in the joint occurs at 9.56 kN with 17.32 mm deflection at tip. Here it is observed that the
crack propagates into the column from joint. Failure occurs at 11.02 kN.

In IRNBCJ specimen, crack initiated vertically near the first stirrup at 5.81 kN. Small crack in
joint initiates at 7.06 kN only on one face. There are no cracks formed in the joint area other
than this. All the cracks appear in the beam area, until finally a crack initiates at the bond
interface area at 11.02 kN which propagates and failure of specimen occurs.

In all RPC specimens, there is just one diagonal crack in the joint area unlike in NBCJ where
the joint area is fully cracked.

6.2 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS-MONOTONIC LOADING

This section presents the results of the finite element analysis carried on the beam-column joint
models subjected to monotonic loading. The results are compared with the results obtained
experimentally given in section 6.1.
Table 6.6 give the load versus deflection values of all specimens corresponding to both
experimental and analytical results. The analytical values have been picked from the results and
the values close to experimental reading have been listed with the corresponding deflection.
These results are used to validate the beam-column joint models generated in the software.
Figure 6.6 shows the load versus deflection plot for all the specimens obtained experimentally
as well as analytically. The curves more or less super impose upon each other thereby validating
the models generated in ANSYS.
Table 6.6 Load vs. deflection- experimental and analytical results

Analytical Load Analytical Experimental Experimental

Sr.No.
(kN) Deflection (mm) Load (kN) Deflection (mm)

NBCJ
1 0 0 0 0
2 1.6 1.69 1.81 2.04
3 3.2 3.43 3.45 5
4 4.8 5.98 4.67 7.12
5 6.4 8.18 6.3 9.63
6 8 12.13 8.35 12.13
7 9.6 17.17 9.98 17.65
8 11.2 22.1 11.02 23.83

115
 FRBCJ
1 0 0 0 0
2 1.65 0.78 1.85 1.07
3 3.3 1.44 3.52 2.8
4 4.95 2.29 5.04 4.78
5 6.6 3.46 6.79 6.92
6 8.25 5.82 8.41 8.94
7 9.9 8.74 9.95 11.24
8 11.55 12.98 11.62 16.82
9 13.2 16.58 11.85 18.19
IRNBCJ
1 0 0 0 0
2 1.8 0.88 1.85 0.94
3 3.6 2.6 3.52 2.78
4 5.4 4.29 5.81 4.74
5 7.2 6.37 7.49 7.22
6 9 8.92 9.32 10.13
7 10.8 11.54 10.6 14
8 12.6 14.18 11.44 16.33
VRNBCJ
1 0 0 0 0
2 1.1 0.57 1.43 0.77
3 2.2 1.32 2.27 1.86
4 3.3 2.01 3.52 3.13
5 4.4 3.13 4.54 4.66
6 5.5 4.96 5.63 7.6
7 6.6 6.82 6.79 10.01
8 7.7 8.98 7.81 12.4
9 8.8 10.86 8.86 14.53
10 9.9 13.74 9.95 18.02
11 11 16.08 11.02 21.46
12 12.1 20.28 11.02 22.2

116
 NBCJ FRBCJ
12 14

10 12
10
8

Load (kN)
Load (kN)

8
6
6
4 4
ANALYTICAL RESULT ANALYTICAL RESULT
2 2
EXPERIMENTAL RESULT EXPERIMENTAL RESULT
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 25 30 0 5 10 15 20
Deflection (mm) Deflection (mm)

(a) Load versus deflection plot-NBCJ (b) Load versus deflection plot-FRBCJ

IRNBCJ VRNBCJ
14 14
12 12
10 10
Load (kN)

Load (kN)
8 8
6 6
4 4
ANALYTICAL RESULT
2 ANALYTICAL RESULT 2
EXPERIMENTAL RESULT EXPERIMENTAL RESULT
0 0
0 5 10 15 20 0 5 10 15 20 25
Deflection (mm) Deflection (mm)

(c) Load versus deflection plot-IRNBCJ (d) Load versus deflection plot-VRNBCJ

Figure 6.6 Load versus deflection plot for all specimens

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The stress distribution diagrams showing the von Mises shear stresses in MPa of the final stage
is given in figure 6.7 and the plot of displacement in transverse (y) direction of beam at
complete failure of specimens are given in figure 6.8. The tip deflection of the beam is obtained
from this plot.

(a) Stress plot for NBCJ specimen (b) Stress plot for specimen FRBCJ

(c) Stress plot for IRNBCJ specimen (d) Stress plot for specimen VRNBCJ

Figure 6.7 Von Mises shear Stress distribution diagrams at failure-monotonic loading

119
 (a) Deflection at failure-NBCJ (b) Deflection at failure-FRBCJ

(c) Deflection at failure- IRNBCJ (d) Deflection at failure-VRNBCJ

Figure. 6.8 Deflection plot of specimens at failure-monotonic loading.

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6.3 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS-CYCLIC LOADING

Once the models are analysed using finite element method for the monotonic loading, the
results being validated with the experimental results, the cyclic loading is applied to the same
models. Results in the form of stress plots at various stages of loading are obtained. A typical
stress plot output of models for concrete first crack load (FCL), which is identified as that load
when sudden change in gradual displacement occur during the application of load, is shown in
figure 6.9. The tensile stress plot in steel at first crack load (FCL) is shown in figure 6.10.

A typical stress plot in concrete at ultimate failure in steel (stress in steel >485 MPa) is shown
in figure 6.11 and the tensile stress plot in steel at the same sage is shown in figure 6.12. Typical
stress plot in concrete at final failure of specimen (crushing of concrete) is shown in figure 6.13
with the tensile stress plot in steel shown in figure 6.14.

121
(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.9 Stress in concrete at FCL for

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

122
(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.10 Tensile stress in steel at FCL for

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

123
 (1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.11 Stress in concrete at ultimate failure of steel for

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

124
 (1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.12 Tensile stress in steel at ultimate failure of steel for

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

125
(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.13 Stress in concrete at final failure of specimen

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

126
 (1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Figure 6.14 Tensile stress in steel at final failure of specimen for

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

127
Table 6.7 shows the load and displacement at these three typical stages of loading. It gives
comparison of the various values of load and corresponding displacement at the yield, ultimate
and final stages of NBCJ, FRBCJ, VRNBCJ, and IRNBCJ.

Table 6.7 Comparison of load and displacement at various stages

Sr. Specimen Yield stage values Ultimate stage values Final failure stage
no.
Load Displacement Load Displacement Load Displacement
(kN) ( mm) (kN) ( mm) (kN) ( mm)

1 NBCJ -2.27 -1.962 3.48 3.918 -4.82 -7.83

2 FRBCJ -3.91 -1.96 6.29 3.92 -8.83 -7.8

3 VRNBCJ -2.92 -1.98 4.5 3.9 -6.5 -7.9

4 IRNBCJ -3.3 -1.97 5.43 3.9 -7.73 -7.95

6.4 DISCUSSION OF THE RESULTS-CYCLIC LOADING

The behaviour of the NBCJ, FRBCJ, VRNBCJ, and IRNBCJ under cyclic loading is evaluated
using various parameters based on the output results of analysis of beam-column joints by
Finite element method using ANSYS.

The value of Von Mises shear stresses in beams, columns, and joint section for NBCJ, FRBCJ,
VRNBCJ, and IRNBCJ based on the stress distribution diagrams shown in the previous section
are as given in table 6.8 at first crack load (FCL).The value of stresses is nearly same in the
column, which is the least stressed member. The joint area shows that FCL stage occurs very
much in later stage in the specimens having RPC in the joint and the range is constant for all
the three RPC specimens.

Table 6.9 shows the shear stress developed in concrete in the joint area at yield, ultimate and
final stage. The displacement at tip is also reported in the table 6.9. It’s seen from the
displacement values that at all the three stages, the displacement of all four specimens are more
or less the same. But the stress levels are at higher levels for RPC specimens and more or less
same for all the three specimens, highest being for FRBCJ and lowest being for VRNBCJ. The
graph shown in the figure 6.15 shows the pictorial representation of above discussion.

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 Table 6.8 Von Mises shear stress value at FCL

Sr Specimen Beam (MPa) Column (MPa) Joint (MPa)

no.

1 NBCJ 7 – 20.9 4–9 11 – 18

2 FRBCJ 16.4 – 49.2 5.5 – 16 16 – 27

3 VRNBCJ 10 – 20 5 - 10 15 – 20

4 IRNBCJ 10.2 – 20.9 5.3 – 10.5 16 – 27

Table 6.9 Shear stress of concrete in joint area at yield, ultimate, and final stage

Sr. Specimen At yield stress of steel At ultimate stress of At final Stage

no. steel

Stress Displacement Stress Displacement Stress Displacement

MPa At tip (mm) MPa At tip (mm) MPa At tip (mm)

1 NBCJ 9.169 -1.962 11.88 3.918 12.17 -7.839

2 FRBCJ 15.03 -1.96 24.65 3.92 28.8 -7.8

3 VRNBCJ 14.07 -1.98 23.79 3.9 25.4 -7.9

4 IRNBCJ 13.89 -1.98 22.6 3.9 28.5 -7.85

30

25
Shear stress (MPa)

20 NBCJ
FRBCJ
15
VRNBCJ
10 IRNBCJ

5
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5
Displacement (mm)

Figure 6.15 Shear stress of concrete in joint area at yield, ultimate, and final stage

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Table 6.10 shows tensile stress in steel in beam area at yield, ultimate, and final stage followed
by the graphical representation of the same in figure 6.16. Table 6.11 shows tensile stress in
steel in column area at yield, ultimate, and final stage followed by the graphical representation
of the same in figure 6.17.

Table 6.10 Tensile stress in steel in beam at yield, ultimate, and final stage

Sr. Specimen Yield Displacement Ultimate Displacement Final stress Displacement

no. Stress At tip MPa
At tip Stress At tip
MPa
(mm) MPa (mm) (mm)

1 NBCJ 215.5 -1.962 380 3.918 736.14 -7.839

2 FRBCJ 132.7 -1.96 291.7 3.92 954.6 -7.8

3 VRNBCJ 226.79 -1.98 530 3.9 1088.8 -7.9

4 IRNBCJ 181.06 -1.97 321.66 3.9 978.16 -7.95

1050
Tensile stress (MPa)

850

650
NBCJ
450
FRBCJ

VRNBCJ
250
IRNBCJ
50
1.5 3.5 5.5 7.5 9.5
Displacement (mm)

Figure 6.16 Tensile stress of steel in beam area at yield, ultimate, and final stage

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 Table 6.11 Tensile stress in steel in column

Sr. Specimen Stress Displacement Stress Displacement Stress Displacement

no. MPa MPa MPa
At tip (mm) At tip (mm) At tip (mm)

1 NBCJ 100.75 -1.962 203.9 3.918 297.22 -7.839

2 FRBCJ 102.17 -1.96 224.2 3.92 231.9 -7.8

3 VRNBCJ 105.7 -1.98 249.37 3.9 371.25 -7.9

4 IRNBCJ 81.78 -1.97 169.32 3.9 406.44 -7.95

450

400

350
Tensile stress (MPa)

300
NBCJ
250
FRBCJ

200 VRNBCJ
IRNBCJ
150

100

50
1.5 2.5 3.5 4.5 5.5 6.5 7.5 8.5
Displacement (mm)

Figure 6.17 Yield, ultimate and final tensile stress of steel in column area

Based on the displacement at yielding and ultimate stage, ductility factor has been found out.
This gives the idea of how the joint offer resistance in the inelastic domain of response. It
shows the ability of a structure to undergo in elastic deformations beyond the yield deformation
with no decrease in the load. Displacement ductility factor is a ratio of ultimate displacement
to the yield displacement. Table 6.12 gives the ductility factor for all the specimens.

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 Table 6.12 Displacement ductility factor

Sr. Specimen At Yield stage At Ultimate stage

no.
Load Displacement Load Displacement Ductility Factor
(kN) ( mm) (kN) ( mm)

1 NBCJ -2.27 -1.962 3.48 3.918 1.72

2 FRBCJ -3.91 -1.96 6.29 3.92 2

3 VRNBCJ -2.92 -1.98 4.5 3.9 1.96

4 IRNBCJ -3.3 -1.97 5.43 3.9 1.97

The RPC specimens shows enhanced ductility factor with VRNBCJ and IRNBCJ showing
value of 1.96 and 1.97 as compared to 1.72 for NBCJ. Since all the models have same
reinforcement, hence the enhancement in the value is due to the presence of RPC.

6.4.1 Hysteresis loop

From the load displacement values obtained from analysis result, hysteresis graph has been
plotted for all the specimens as shown in figure 6.18.

From the area enclosed by the load displacement loop for the given cycle, energy dissipated by
the specimen during each respective cycle is found out. As the strength of concrete increases,
energy dissipation goes on increases.

In general for reinforced concrete structure, in cyclic loading, energy dissipation is equal to the
sum of energy dissipated by the concrete and steel respectively. As the concrete is brittle
material which mix of aggregate and matrix, therefore energy dissipated by the concrete is very
less, that can be neglected and steel is held completely responsible for the energy dissipation.
But here it is seen figure 6.19, that there is considerable increase in the values of energy
dissipated in RPC beam-column joint.

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 8
15
6
10
Load (kN)

Load (kN
4
2 5

0 0
-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20
-2 -5
-4 -10
-6
-15
Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm)

(1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ

10 15
8
Load (kN)

10
6
Load (kN)

4
5
2
0 0
-10 -5 -2 0 5 10 15 20 -10 -5 0 5 10 15 20
-4 -5
-6
-8 -10
Displacement (mm) Displacement (mm)

(3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

Fig 6.18 Hystersis Loop for (1) NBCJ (2) FRBCJ (3) VRNBCJ (4) IRNBCJ

100
Cycle 1 Cycle 2 Cycle 3 99.63
90
86.54
80
Energy Dissipation kNmm

70
69.47
60 63.6
50

40

30

20 14.26 16.5
13.65
11.12
10
0.56 0.805 0.823 0.857
0
NBCJ VRNBCJ IRNBCJ FRBCJ

Fig.6.19 Energy dissipation in each cycle of all models

133
 15

Load (kN)
10

NBCJ
5
FRBCJ

0 VRNBCJ
-10 -5 0 5 10 15 20
IRNBCJ
Displacement (mm)
-5

-10

Figure 6.20 Peak load vs. peak displacement at end of each cycle

The graphs shown in figure 6.21 are used to identify the crack formation in the models. The
difference in each consecutive displacements are found out and plotted on X axis with
corresponding load on Y axis. At the start of each cycle, the difference in displacement is near
about constant for some time but as the load increases, difference in consecutive displacement
also goes on increasing, and the effect of that is there are sudden changes in the trend of the
graph. The drops in the graph indicates the major cracks in respective model. The backward
trend in the graphs is during the release of the load at end of each cycle.

6.4.2 Stiffness

Stiffness is the extent to which the joint resists deformation in response to the applied force on
that structure or member. Stiffness is obtained as force required for unit displacement. The
graph for percentage of stiffness verses displacement are shown in figure 6.22. As load on the
specimen increases, the deformation inside the joint goes on increases, as a result of that there
is formation of cracks inside the joint which cause the degradation of stiffness. Hence it is
necessary to calculate the stiffness degradation in joint subjected to cyclic loading.

134
 (1) NBCJ

(2) FRBCJ

(3) VRNBCJ

(4) IRNBCJ
Figure 6.21 Difference in consecutive displacement versus corresponding load

135
 350

300

250 NBCJ
Stiffness %

200 VRNBCJ
IRNBCJ
150 FRBCJ
100

50

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Displacement (mm)

Figure 6.22 Stiffness versus displacement

2.5

2
Stiffness kN/mm

1.5 FBCJ

1 IBCJ
NBCJ
0.5
VBCJ

0
0 2 4 6 8 10 12 14 16
Displacement (mm)

Figure 6.23 Stiffness degradation

In the cyclic loading conditions, the loading and unloading process is occurred. As a result of
this if there is formation of micro cracks inside the joint, then during unloading process these
cracks close down which causes the sudden change in the stiffness. The peaks in the curve
indicate the end of each individual cycle. The degradation of stiffness is clearly visible for all
the specimens. But the stiffness of the joint is in increasing order in a sequence from NBCJ,
VRNBCJ, IRNBCJ and FRBCJ specimens.

The degradation of the stiffness of joint can also be expressed in terms of secant stiffness. Here
the loads and displacement for only half cycle (positive in this case) are used to find the secant
stiffness and is shown in figure 6.23. It is calculated by using the slope at end of each positive
cycle and it is used to provide a qualitative measure of stiffness degradation in the specimen.

136