Effect of Joint Enlargement on the Performance of Exterior Beam-Column Joint

Reinforced concrete structures, built in zones of low- to-medium seismicity still do not take seismic effect into consideration. The reinforcement details of such structures, though conform to the general construction code of practice may not adhere to the modern seismic provisions. Structural engineers often consider current seismic code details for reinforced concrete framed structures impractical. A beam column joint becomes structurally less efficient when subject to large lateral loads, such as strong wind, earthquake, or explosion. In these areas, high percentages of transverse hoops in the core of joints are needed in order to meet the requirement of strength, stiffness and ductility. Provisions of high percentage of hoops cause congestion of steel leading to construction difficulties. The objective of the present study is to compare the effect of joint enlargement on behaviour of exterior beam-column joint sub-assemblages with transverse reinforcements detailed as per IS 4562000.