Study on interior beam–column joint sub-assemblage under bi-directional loading using finite element analysis

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to study the shearing performance under bi-directional loading of an interior beam–column joint (BCJ) sub-assemblage using the finite element analysis (FEA) tool (midas fea), validated in this research. Design/methodology/approach The BCJ can be defined as an essential part of the column that transfers the forces at the ends of the members connected to it. The members of the rigid jointed plane frame resist external forces by developing twisting moment, bending moment, axial force and shear force in the frame members. On the type of joints, the response to the action of lateral loads depends on reinforced concrete (RC) framed structures. The joint is considered rigid if the angle between the members remains unchanged during the structural deformation. This work examined the shear deformation, load displacement and strength of a non-seismically detailed internal concentric RC joint using non-linear FEA. The bi-directional loading imposes the oblique compression zone on one joint corner. This joint core’s oblique compression strut mechanism differs significantly from that under unidirectional loading. The numerical results are compared with experimental results in this study, with the data published in the literature. Findings Numerical analysis results show that, in the comparative study of numerical and experimental values, the FEA tool predicts the behaviour of the RC BCJ well. The discrepancy between the experimental and numerical results amounts to 6 to 12% end displacement of the beam, 7% resultant joint shear force, 4.23% column bar strain and 0.70% hoop strain. Originality/value The current code of practice describes the joint sub-assemblage behaviour along the single axis individually. In the non-orthogonal system, the superposition of the two axes for joint space results in overlapping the stresses and, hence, the formation of the oblique strut. This may result in a reduction in the joint capacity under bi-directional loading. The behaviour must be explored in depth, and an attempt is made for further exploration.