Totally eight number of exterior beam-column joints reinforced with GFRP reinforcing bars were cast and tested under axial compression and uniaxial bending. Axial compressive load applied on columns was kept constant and the beams were subjected to increasingly monotonic loading. Two different types of joints, with and without stirrups, were adopted. The effect of shear at the joint of the beam was observed for all the specimens. The performance of the GFRP reinforced exterior beam-column joint specimens was compared with similar type of conventionally reinforced beam-column joints. It was found that the efficiency of the joint was increased with an additional stirrup at the joint both for steel and GFRP specimens.

In recent years, Fiber Reinforced Polymer (FRP) reinforcements have emerged as an exciting construction material as a replacement for conventional steel bars. Many structural failures occur due to the corrosion of steel bars. In framed structures, failure often occurs at the beam-column joints due to the combined effect of shear force and bending moment. This makes the joint one of the most critical sections of the structure. The corrosion problem is severe when exposed to aggressive environmental conditions, which can strongly reduce the durability of the joints of the concrete structure. Performance of the joint is evaluated on the basis of their strength and ductility. To avoid this problem of corrosion, an alternative material FRP can be employed in the form of reinforcement bars.

Fiber-based plastic reinforcements are made of fiber materials such as glass, carbon, aramid and others. These are impregnated in a resin matrix to form different shapes. The bars are manufactured by pultrusion process and are treated to provide mechanical interlock with concrete. It is being widely used in structural applications for strengthening works. Several studies have been conducted earlier on the use of FRP reinforcements for structural members like beams and slabs. However, not much information is available on the use of FRP reinforcements at joints. Therefore, it was planned to carry out an experimental study on the use of GFRP reinforcements at beam-column joints, and the results are compared with the conventional steel reinforced beam-column joints.

Structural Engineering Journal, Threaded GFRP Reinforcements, Conventional Steel Bars, Fiber Reinforced Polymer Reinforcements, Pultrusion Process, Isoparametric Elements, Nonlinear Analysis, Loading Programs, Empirical Design Equations, Strut Mechanism Accounts, Beam Longitudinal Reinforcement, Concrete Strut Mechanism, Trigonometric Transformations.