FE modelling and analysis of beam column joint using reactive powder concrete

Abstract

Reactive powder concrete (RPC) is used in the beam-column joint region in two out of four frames. Finite element modeling of all specimens is developed by using ABAQUS software. Displacement controlled analysis is used rather than load control analysis to obtain the actual response of the structure. The prepared models were verified by using experimental results. The results showed that using RPC in the joint region increased the overall strength of the structure by more than 10%. Moreover, it also helped in controlling the crack width. Furthermore, using RPC in the joint region increased the ductility of the structures. Comparisons were made by varying the size of the mesh and viscosity parameter values. It was found that by increasing the mesh size and viscosity parameter value, analysis time and the number of steps during analysis were reduced. This study provides a new modeling approach using RPC beam-column joint to predict the behavior and response of structures and to improve the shear strength deformation against different structural loading.