Abstract
Reversed cyclic loading tests were conducted on six prestressed concrete beam-interior column joint assemblies that failed inside the joint cores. The variables adopted in the tests were aspect ratio of joint cores and concrete compressive strength. No significant differences in the maximum shear stress of the joint cores were observed between the beam-column joint assemblies. Finite element analysis of the beam-column joint assemblies was performed. The analytical results showed the presence of 45° truss mechanism inside the joint cores. Equations using 45° truss model was proposed for predicting the ultimate strength of prestressed concrete beam-interior column joint assemblies that failed in shear inside the joint cores. The equations were compared with test data on 26 prestressed concrete beam-interior column joint assemblies that failed in the joint cores. The test results agreed well with the estimations.
