Seismic retrofit of exterior RC beam-column joint using diagonal haunch

Exterior beam-column joint is typically the weakest link in a limited-ductile RC frame structure. The use of diagonal haunch element has been considered as a desirable seismic retrofit option for reducing the seismic demand at the joint. Previous research globally has focused on implementing double haunches, whilst the performance of using single haunch element as a less-invasive and more architecturally favourable retrofit option has not been investigated. In this study, the feasibility of using a single haunch system for retrofitting RC exterior beam-column joint is explored. This paper presents the derivation of the key formulations for the implementation of a single diagonal haunch as well as the generalization of the formulations for all three systems: the non-retrofitted subassembly, the double haunch retrofitting system, and the single haunch retrofitting system. The formulations have then been validated by available experimental data for non-retrofitted subassembly and double haunch retrofitting system. Finally, the effectiveness of the single haunch retrofitting system is compared with that of the double haunch retrofitting system through a parametric study.