In this study, the joint shear strength is discussed on reinforced concrete column-beam joints with different floor levels on beams (stepped beam joint). 1) Compared to a normal interior joint, the stress transfer in the stepped beam joint is more complicated, making it difficult to properly evaluate the shear strength of the joint using the AIJ toughness guideline formula. 2) The shear strength of stepped beam joints can be reasonably evaluated based on a split strut mechanism that takes into account the presence of steps and the effect of the anchorage type of the beam reinforcement.
