Reduction of Lateral Reinforcement in Seismic Beam-Column Joints via
Application of Steel Fibers
By Ziad Bayasi, Ph.D., and Michael Gebman, MSCE
Accepted for Publication in American Concrete Institute (ACI)
Structural Journal
Abstract:
A literature review and an experimental study regarding the effect of
using steel fibers in seismic beam-column connections are reported.
Addition of steel fibers to seismic joints without changing joint design
is noted to improve resistance to earthquake loading. Taking advantage of
the confining effect of steel fibers, lateral joint reinforcement can be
reduced upon using steel fibers in joints. Such reduction is manifested as
an increase of hoop spacing within the joint region. Based on available
test data such reduction ranged between 0.3 and 1.1% for steel fiber
reinforcement index [Vf(l/d)] ranging between 1.0 and 1.6. With
such effective application of steel fibers, joint behavior is
significantly improved. Reducing the number of hoops in seismic joints is
advantageous for reducing steel congestion in joints, reducing joint
construction costs and enhancing joint performance.