Structural behavior of RC engineered cementitious composite (ECC) exterior beam–column joints under reversed cyclic loading

• Brittle shear failure was observed at failure stage of NC beam–column joint.
• Dense network of tiny cracks was observed at failure stage of PVA beam–column joint.
• Replacement of NC with ECC in the joint zone improved shear capacity and ductility.
• Pinching effect was obvious in NC specimen due to the brittle mode of failure.
• ECC specimen failed at a deflection value more than the deflection in the NC specimen.

This paper investigates the effects of engineered cementitious composite (ECC) on the behavior of RC exterior beam–column joint under reversed cyclic loading. The main parameters considered include the load–deflection relationship, crack propagation, moment–rotation relationship at the joint, and energy absorption capacity. The experimental work was conducted on a normal concrete and an ECC full scale RC exterior beam–column joint. The specimen was subjected to reverse cyclic loading under controlled deformation at the tip of the beam until failure. At post cracking stages, the ECC joint showed significant improvement in the ultimate shear and moment capacities, as well as in the deformation behavior and damage tolerance, compared with the NC specimen at ultimate and failure stages. Numerous tiny cracks with reduced crack width and spacing forming a dense of network propagated within the joint region.

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