Author(s): Lucas Fernández, Marco Bianchi, Elena Papadopoulos and André Moreau

Abstract: Beam-column joints play a critical role in the overall safety and load transfer mechanism of reinforced concrete frame structures, particularly under lateral and seismic loading conditions. Accurate assessment of joint behavior is essential for predicting structural performance and preventing progressive damage or collapse. Conventional experimental investigations provide reliable insights but are often limited by cost, time, and scalability constraints. In this context, simplified finite element modeling offers an efficient analytical alternative for evaluating joint response while retaining essential behavioral characteristics. This research presents an analytical investigation of beam-column joint behavior using a simplified finite element modeling approach aimed at balancing computational efficiency and predictive accuracy. The modeling framework incorporates key material nonlinearities, geometric compatibility, and boundary conditions relevant to typical reinforced concrete joints. Stress distribution, strain localization, stiffness degradation, and load-deformation response is examined under monotonic loading scenarios. The analytical results are compared with established theoretical expectations and trends reported in previous experimental and numerical studies to validate the modeling strategy. The findings indicate that simplified finite element models can effectively capture critical joint behaviors such as shear stress concentration, cracking initiation zones, and progressive stiffness reduction without resorting to highly complex constitutive formulations. The research highlights the sensitivity of joint response to mesh discretization, material idealization, and joint geometry representation. By demonstrating the feasibility of simplified modeling techniques, this work contributes to the development of practical analytical tools suitable for preliminary design evaluation, parametric studies, and academic research. The outcomes support the hypothesis that simplified finite element models, when appropriately calibrated, can serve as reliable indicators of beam-column joint performance, thereby reducing dependence on resource-intensive experimental programs while enhancing understanding of joint mechanics in reinforced concrete frame systems.

DOI: 10.22271/27078280.2026.v7.i1a.57

Pages: 06-11 | Views: 13 | Downloads: 5

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