Comparison of Seismic Response Corner Beam-Column Joint with and without Fuse Bars Under In-Plane Lateral Cyclic Loading

Two full-scale corner beam-column joints with and without fuse bars were designed, constructed, tested, analyzed and modeled under in-plane lateral cyclic loading presented herein. The first specimen was designed using Eurocode 8 and equipped with four fuse bars. Second specimen was designed using BS8110 (non-seismic code of practice) with corbel. All the specimens have similar size of foundation beams, columns and beams. Visual observation during testing showed that specimen with fuse bars suffered less damage as compare with specimen without fuse bars. Furthermore, specimen with fuse bars has higher lateral strength capacity, stiffness, ductility and equivalent viscous damping than specimen without fuse bars. Finally, there is good agreement of lateral strength capacity, ductility, stiffness and equivalent viscous damping which lies between 2% and 20% between experiment and modeling hysteresis loops. Thus, it is recommended that fuse bar as a green structural material can be installed inside the corner beam-column joint for RC buildings to cater strong earthquakes in high seismic regions.

Automated summary

Two full-scale corner beam-column joints were tested, one with fuse bars and another without. The specimen with fuse bars showed less damage, higher lateral strength capacity, stiffness, ductility, and equivalent viscous damping compared to the specimen without fuse bars. The experimental and modeling results were in good agreement. Thus, the use of fuse bars is recommended for RC buildings in high seismic regions.