Seismic Behavior of Post-Tensioned Reinforced Concrete Beam-to-Column Joints
11th World Congress on Civil, Structural, and Environmental Engineering, CSEE 2026, Paris, France, 16 - 18 April 2026, vol.PartF8, (Full Text)
- Publication Type: Conference Paper / Full Text
- Volume: PartF8
- Doi Number: 10.11159/icsect26.121
- City: Paris
- Country: France
- Keywords: beam-to-column connection, Post-tensioning, reinforced concrete, seismic performance
- Open Archive Collection: AVESIS Open Access Collection
- TED University Affiliated: Yes
Abstract
Post-tensioned buildings provide notable advantages including reduced frame weight, lower seismic demands, and enhanced resistance to applied loading. While numerous research has focused on post-tensioned precast beam-to-column joints, limited attention has been given to the seismic behavior of cast-in-place reinforced concrete connections incorporating post-tensioning. This study addresses this gap by experimentally examining the seismic performance of representative sub-assemblages. The primary test parameters were defined as the mild steel ratio, load-balancing ratio, and connection configuration. The experimental program was evaluated through comparisons of base shear–lateral displacement, moment–curvature, crack width development, energy dissipation, equivalent viscous damping ratio, and stiffness degradation of the specimens. Accordingly, it was found that post-tensioned beam-to-column joints can provide satisfactory structural performance and adequate ductility when the amounts of mild steel and prestressing steel are properly optimized. Moreover, post-tensioned specimens exhibited more uniform crack patterns and smaller crack widths than conventional reinforced concrete specimens due to the self-centering capability of tendons.