Shear performance of beam-column joints subjected to high loading rates

High loading rates may produce in structural frames due to some actions, such as explosions or debris impact. The response of structural members to such abnormal loadings should be investigated to provide comprehensive knowledge of their capability to resist impulsive forces. The beam-column joint is considered one of the most important structural components that significantly control the robustness and integrity of a structural frame. Hence, in the current study, eight full-scale specimens of two types of beam-column joints were tested under dynamic impact load to study their response to high rate load. These two types of joints were fin-plate and single angle-cleat joints. The tests were carried out using a drop hammer to apply an impact load on the specimens from different heights with different preloading conditions. The single angle-cleat joints exhibited a better response to dynamic loads with different impact height and preloading conditions than fin-plate joints in terms of resistance and ductility. Bolt shear failure was the dominant failure mode of the two types of the joints selected