APPLICATION OF SOFTENED TRUSS MODEL IN DESIGN OF BEAM-COLUMN JOINTS

Based on the reinforced concrete softened truss model, a new design method of beam-column joints, is proposed in which the compression strength of concrete in joint core and the tension strength of steels in joint core are checked. As a result, the strength of concrete in joint core is fully exploited to resistant seismic actions. An example is provided to verify the new design method. The comparison of the test data and the predictions given by present method for six beam-column joints shows that the new design method is reliable. In addition, the disadvantage of the design method proposed by GBJ10-89 code is pointed out.