Seismic retrofit of substandard beam-column joint by planar joint expansion

A seismic retrofit technique for existing reinforced concrete beam-column connections using planar joint expansion is proposed. The method is based on a two-dimensional expansion of beam-column joint using cast in-situ concrete and dowel bars. The method is economical and architecturally acceptable. Three half-scale sub-standard beam-column specimens were tested under quasi-static cyclic loading. One was control specimen and the other two were retrofitted specimens with triangular and square joint expansion. According to test results, the control specimen showed brittle joint shear failure while retrofitted specimens showed beam flexural failure. The strength, stiffness, energy dissipation and ductility of retrofitted specimens were greatly improved. The planar joint expansion is effective to reduce joint shear stress and improve anchorage bond of beam bar within the joint. The plastic hinge formation can be moved away from column face, thus preventing joint shear failure. The triangular and square expansions perform almost equally well. The construction joints formed at the interfaces between specimen and joint expansion do not produce an adverse effect in cyclic behavior.