Evaluation of the influence of the column axial load on the behavior of monotonically loaded R/C exterior beam–column joints through numerical simulations

Joints of reinforced concrete are critical regions to study and to manufacture because of their high steel ratio and reduced geometrical dimensions. Column axial load is one of the several variables that influence the behavior of the exterior beam–column joints. This paper investigates the influence of the column axial load on the joint shear strength through numerical simulations. The numerical study is performed through the software ABAQUS®, based on Finite Element Method. A comparison of the numerical and experimental results is presented in order to validate the simulation. The results showed that the column axial load made the joint more stiff but also introduced stresses in the beam longitudinal reinforcement. A more uniform stress distribution in the joint region is obtained when the stirrup ratio is increased. Furthermore, some tension from the top beam longitudinal reinforcement is absorbed by the stirrups located at the upper part of the joint.