Mohammad Sattari - Ph.D. Candidate, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Mahmoud-Reza Banan - Assistant Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran
Mohammad-Reza Banan - Associate Professor, Civil and Environmental Engineering Dept., Shiraz University, Shiraz, Iran & Visiting Professor at Civil Engineering Dept., American University of Sharjah, Sharjah, UAE

This study explores the capabilities of nonlinear finite element models for estimating joint cyclic rotation and shear capacities. ANSYS nonlinear finite element program is used to model RC building interior beam-column joints. The reinforced concrete modeling is calibrated using the published experimental test results. Through a parametric study the effects of variables namely (a) column axial load, (b) concrete compressive strength, (c) beam cross-sectional dimensions, and (d) amount of joint transverse reinforcement are estimated on joint cyclic behavior. Joint cyclic response measures determined from hysteresis curves and their back-bone curves are joint shear strength, joint rotational ductility, and joint energy dissipation.

RC beam- column joints, Joint shear strength, Joint hysteresis, Cyclic response, ANSYS.