Modelling of two dimensional reinforced concrete beam-column joints subjected to monotonic loading

Compared with experimental studies on reinforced concrete joints subjected to monotonic loading under progressive collapse, numerical predictions are much more economic, convenient and efficient. As a general-purpose finite element program, ABAQUS can be employed to simulate the deformation and failure behaviour of RC beam-column joints. When simulating different types of two dimensional beam-column joints, namely knee, exterior and interior joints, it should be noted that the accuracy of the material properties in the numerical models, especially for concrete, are crucial to the accuracy and the reliability of predictions. Therefore, in this study, appropriate specimens subjected to monotonic loading are selected from several series of experimental studies and simulated in ABAQUS. By comparing the predictions with corresponding experimental results, the required material parameters in ABAQUS are calibrated to provide a reference for future RC joint simulations of progressive collapse.