Seismic Response of Beam-Column Joints in Double-Deck Reinforced Concrete Bridge Frames

Common practice for seismic design of reinforced concrete bridges is to locate the flexural plastic hinges in columns adjacent to the joint. This introduces questions about the anchorage of the column longitudinal reinforcement within the joint, the strength of the joint, and the role of joint reinforcement. These issues are investigated in a test program in which two one-third-scale models of a bridge connection are tested under multiaxial loading simulating effects of gravity and earthquakes. This paper describes the test program, presents details on the design and construction of the test specimens, and presents and discusses the overall response of the test subassemblages and joint panel to the imposed loading.