Seismic performance study on exterior beam-column joint with mechanical anchorage for different joint core details

In the present study, in reinforced concrete structures, beam-column connections are one of the most critical regions in higher seismic prone areas. Proper reinforcement anchorage is essential to enhance the performance of the joints. Congestion of reinforcement and construction difficulties are reported frequently while using the conventional reinforcement detailing in the joint core area. An attempt has been made to study and evaluate the performance of joints with anchorage detailing as per American Concrete Institute (ACI)-352, ACI-318, and Indian Standard (IS)-456 along with confinement as per IS-13920 and without confinement. Apart from a solution for these problems, significant improvements in seismic performance, ductility, and strength were observed while using the mechanical anchorage (headed bar) in combination with X-cross plus hair clip (U-bar) joint reinforcement for higher seismic prone areas. To evaluate the performances of these types of anchorages and joint details, the specimens were assembled into two groups, each group having three specimens were tested under reversal loading and the same are presented in this paper.