Title:
Behavior of Joints Using Reinforced Polymer Concrete
Author(s):
R. John Craig, Ishac Kafrouni, Jean Souaid,
Sitaram Mahadev, and H. Wayne Valentine
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
89
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
279-312
Keywords:
beams (supports); columns (supports); cyclic loads;
ductility; earthquake resistant structures; fiber reinforced
concretes; joints (junctions); loads (forces); metal fibers;
polymer concrete; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels;
stirrups.
DOI:
10.14359/6254
Date:
12/1/1985
Abstract:
The testing program of reinforced concrete joints con-sisted of six beam column joints with varying strength cementing agents in the joint region: 1) normal strength concrete (fc' = 4,000 psi); 2) high strength concrete (fc' = 10,000 psi); and 3) polymer concrete (fc' = 12,000 psi). Half of these joints con-tained l-l/2 percent by volume of hooked end fibers. The polymer used in the joint region was Sika Stix 350. The fibers used were dramix fibers (30 mm. long by .50 mm. in diameter). From the test series on joints of this investigation, information on the following will be described: strength, ductility, energy absorp-tion and dissipation, mechanisms of failure, and mechanisms of stiffness and energy dissipation under cyclic loading. From the analysis of the results, it can be concluded that the polymer concrete used in the joint region provided: 1) better bond; 2) better confinement of the joint region; 3) a stiffer mem-ber; 4) a higher moment capacity; 5) higher shear strength; 6) more ductility; 7) far less cracking; and 8) significant improve-ment in the energy dissipation capacity than did the 4,000 psi and 10,000 psi portland cement concrete used in the joint area. The addition of fibers helped to strengthen the joint region, and improve the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of the joints with normal and high strength concrete. Also, the addi-tion of fibers to the beam column with polymer in the joint re-gion made made the joint area act elastically while the inelastic region was formed a distance 10 inches from the face of the col-umn in the normal strength concrete beam. The benefits and disadvantages of using a polymer concrete instead of high strength or normal concrete in seismic construc-tion of a joint will be described.