| Recently, researchers have sought to develop performance-based design methods that enable the design of a structure to achieve specific performance objectives, typically in excess of 'life-safety', under a given level of earthquake loading. Accomplishing performance-based design requires accurate prediction of component load and deformation demands, and typically nonlinear analysis is employed to determine these demands. The research presented here focuses on developing a series of analysis and design tools to support the performance-based design of one particular structural component: reinforced-concrete beam-column joints.; This particular component is chosen for investigation because, despite the fact that laboratory and post-earthquake reconnaissance suggest that joint stiffness and strength loss can have a significant impact on structural response, the inelastic response of these components is rarely considered in analysis or design.; Data from previous experimental investigations of joints, spanning a wide range of geometric, material and design parameters, were assembled. Using these data, a series of models were developed and applied to advance understanding of the seismic behavior, simulation and design of reinforced concrete beam-column joints. These include a (1) discrete choice probabilistic failure initiation model, (2) continuum model for joints, (3) strut-and-tie models for joint and (4) a component-based super-element model for the joint region. |
