CHAPTER 4

METHODOLOGY AND EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME

This chapter presents the methodology adopted for testing the material constituents, RPC and
scaled models of beam-column joints. The test programme involves material selection, conduct
of the standard test on the materials in absence of specifications from the supplier. The
methodology of the tests conducted on RPC to determine its mechanical characteristics, to
understand the humidity and temperature effects on compressive strength of RPC using
humidity chamber has been discussed. Method to model the compressive strengths of RPC
using ANN to predict its compressive strength for any proportion has been presented in this
chapter. The details of the setup for testing scale models of beam –column joint and
methodology for analysis of beam-column joint by finite element method are presented.

4.1 SPECIFICATION OF MATERIALS USED FOR EXPERIMENT

For the experimental programme, RPC formulated consists of the combinations of constituent
materials viz. Ordinary Portland cement (c), silica fume (sf), quartz sand (qs) and high-range
water-reducer. Low water-cement ratios have been used to prepare the concrete.

Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC) of 53 grade with brand name “Birla Shakti” adhering to the
specifications of IS 12269: 2013 has been used. The quartz sand having particle size between
150 μm to 600 μm has been procured from "Welcome Chemical Pvt. Ltd.". The particle size
distribution of the quartz sand is given in table 4.1 and the corresponding gradation curve is
given in figure 4.1. Silica fume with the brand name "Elkem Micro Silica Grade 920-D" with
particle size of 1 μm – 45 μm conforming to specifications of IS 15388: 2003 has been procured
from “Oriental Tech Pvt. Ltd”.

The super plasticizer is procured from “Fosroc Chemicals Pvt. Ltd” with the brand name of
“Aura Mix 400” (Polycarboxylate ether base) conforming to IS 9103: 1999 (reaffirmed 2007).
The optimum dosage of super plasticiser to meet the workability requirements are determined
by trials using the materials. The admixture dosage ranges from 6 to 12 ml/ kg of cement for
the mix proportions tested.

The specifications of the ingredient materials used are as given in table 4.2.

46
 Table 4.1 Particle size gradation of quartz sand

Sieve Size 1.18 mm 600 µm 300 µm 150 µm 75 µm

% Passing 100 % 95.10 % 38.3 % 7.0 % 0.0 %

100

90

80

70

60
% passing

50

40

30

20

10

0
50 60 70 80 90 100 200 300 400 500 600 700 800 1000 2000
Particle size (m)

Figure 4.1 Gradation curve for quartz sand

Table 4.2 Specifications and composition of the ingredients used for RPC

Cement Quartz Silica fume Super plasticizer

Fineness: Specific Gravity: Silica Grade 920-D Polycarboxylate
320 m2/kg 2.65 Based
IST: 110 min. SiO2: 99.9 % SiO2 : 91 % pH: 6.0
FST: 180 min. pH : neutral Specific Surface Volumetric Mass:
2
Area: 18 m /g 1.09 Kg/litre (20° C)
Compressive Appearance: Bulk Density: Appearance:
Strength: 60 MPa White free flowing 500 – 700 kg/m3 Light yellow
(28 days) powder colour liquid
Composition (%) Compounds
91.5 99.9 91 SiO2
4.22 0.013 5 Al2O3
1.4 001 1.3 Fe2O3
0.6 0.0033 2 CaO
4.75 -- 0.5 MgO
3.4 -- 0.75 K2O
0.4 -- 0.5 Na2O

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Universal testing machine (UTM) of 1000 kN capacity and compression testing machine
(CTM) of 2000 kN capacity is used for testing RPC. The rate of the loading is adjusted as per
the requirement of the code for the test.

4.2 COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH

Extensive experimental work is carried out to study the primary property of RPC; its
compressive strength.

4.2.1 Mix Proportions

Based on previous studies by P. Richard (1995) A. S. Dilli and M. Santhanam (2004), Halit
Yazici et al. (2009), studies are conducted on RPC specimens with different proportions of
ingredients.

Mix are prepared by varying silica fume/cement (sf/c) ratio from 0.15 to 0.30 and quartz
sand/cement (qs/c) ratio from 1.1 to 1.6. The water/cement (w/c) ratios are limited within 0.2
to 0.35 along with super plasticizer dosage of 6 to 12 ml/kg of cement, such that the workability
of the mixes measured in flow table test is maintained within 120-140 mm. The combinations
of these constituents along with the varied w/c ratios resulted in 112 mix proportions.

4.2.2 Mix Procedure and Specimen Preparation

For each proportion of RPC, dry ingredients are first mechanically mixed for about 3 minutes
at low speed (140 rpm) and then remixed with water and super- plasticizer for about 7-10
minutes at high speed (285 rpm) [IS 10890: 1984].

All such mixes are measured for their workability in terms of flow by conducting flow table
test [IS 5512:1983]. Four cubes of 70.6 mm are cast for each mix at room temperature. They
are de-moulded within 24± 2 hours and cured in clean fresh water for 28 days under standard
laboratory conditions.

4.2.3 Testing

The compression test procedure is in compliance the provisions of the code IS 4031_Part
6:1988 (Reaffirmed 2014).

Accordingly, the test cube is placed on the platform of a compressive testing machine without
any packing between the cube and the plates of the testing machine. The load is applied
gradually starting from zero at a rate of 35 N/mm2/minute.

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Four cubes for each mix are tested for the average value. Any faulty specimens, or those whose
strengths differ by more than 10 % from the average value of all the test specimen are not
considered. A total of 448 specimens are cast for this part of the experimental programme.

4.2.4 Size and Shape Effect

The size effect on the compressive strength is studied by casting specimens of various shapes.
These include 70.7 mm size cube, 100 mm size cube, 150 mm size cube, and cylinder of 300
mm height and 150 mm diameter. The specimens are cast using single proportion of 1:0.25:1.5
(c:sf:qs) with w/c ratio equal to 0.3.

These specimens are subjected to compressive load in CTM and the compressive stress is found
for each specimen differing in terms of size as well as shape. The size and shape -effect
coefficients for the compressive strength of RPC are deduced through experiments.

4.3 SHEAR, FLEXURE AND TENSILE STRENGTH OF RPC

The methodology for determining the shear, flexure and tensile strength of RPC is discussed
in this section.

4.3.1 Mix Proportions

For the flexure and shear test, four mixes for which sf/c ratio is varied and taken as 0.15, 0.20,
0.25 and 0.30 are selected. The w/c ratio and qs/c ratio is kept at 0.3 and 1.5 respectively. For
split tensile strength, mix proportion 1:0.25:1.5 (c: sf: qs) with 0.3 w/c ratio is selected, which
is the proportion used for preparing the beam-column joint specimen using RPC.

4.3.2 Testing
The specimen for the shear test is a cube of 150 mm size. The test is based on the concept of
the bisurface shear test given A. Momayeza et al. (2005) for bond strength. The specimens for
shear test are subjected to pure shear failure by applying load on the mid third area against the
supports provided for extreme one third areas at the base of specimen as shown in figure 4.2
(c).The loading arrangement consists of using three thick steel plates 50 mm x 150 mm x 25
mm used to transmit the shear force along the planes at one third portions of the specimen
generating two shear planes.
The load is applied continuously until failure occurs. The failure load is noted. The shear
strength is computed by dividing the failure load by two times the area of shear planes as there
are two planes of failure.

49
Flexure test consists of casting and testing of specimen of size 500 mm x 100 mm x 100 mm
and is carried adhering IS 516-1959 specifications. Four point loading test is conducted and
the load at rupture of the beam is noted.
Casting and testing of cylindrical specimen of size 300 mm in length (l) and 150 mm diameter
(d) for split tensile test is carried as per the procedure given in IS 5816-1999.
Test age of specimen for all tests is 28 days with four samples tested for each proportion.

4.4 BOND TEST

This research programme is focussed on an attempt of replacement of conventional concrete

of beam-column joint with RPC. This generates the necessity of study of interfacial bond
between conventional concrete and RPC which is determined by conducting slant shear and bi-
surface shear test on RPC.

Apart from this, pull-out test is conducted on RPC to find its bond strength with reinforcing
bars.

4.4.1 Mix Proportions

The mix proportions of RPC are produced with combinations of the following ratios of the
ingredients. The w/c ratio is kept at 0.3, qs/c ratio is taken as 1.4 and 1.5 and sf/c ratio is varied
and taken as 0.15, 0.20, 0.25 and 0.30. Normal concrete of M30 grade of concrete is designed
as per IS 10262: 2009 having mix proportion 1: 1.71: 2.7 with 0.45 w/c ratio. In this entire
research work, the term normal and ordinary concrete implies concrete of M30 grade with the
above mentioned proportion.

4.4.2 Specimen Preparation and Testing

The bond strength of RPC with ordinary M30 grade concrete is evaluated by performing bi-
surface shear test on specimens cast in 150 mm cubical moulds based on method adopted by
Momayeza et al. (2005). The specimens are prepared such that the middle one-third portion of
the cube is cast using RPC and the two external portions with M30 grade ordinary concrete
using appropriate separators as shown in figure 4.2(b). Specimens for slant shear test are cast
in a specially prepared cylindrical mould using 75 mm diameter x 150 mm height PVC pipe
with a diagonal cut at 30° to accommodate a separator plate as shown in figure 4.2(d) (ASTM:C
882,M-05).

50
Normal concrete and RPC are poured and compacted simultaneously without any delay and
the specimens dismounted from the moulds after 24 hours. They are then further subjected to
water curing for 28 days.

The specimens for bi-surface shear test are subjected to pure shear failure by applying
compressive load on the mid third RPC area against the supports provided for extreme one
third areas at the base of ordinary concrete as shown in figure 4.2 (b). The bond strength of the
interface is computed by dividing the failure load by two times the area of shear planes as there
are two planes of failure. In slant shear test, the bond strength is calculated by dividing the
maximum load at failure by the sheared area which is an elliptical sloping area as shown in
figure 4.2(d).

Earlier the test was conducted on the specimen prepared exactly as per the method suggested
by Momayeza et al. (2005). Here 2/3rd portion was cast with conventional concrete and 1/3rd
with RPC and the specimens were tested exactly in the manner given above. The results of the
tests raised doubt as to the two shear planes had different interfacial properties. One plane
passed completely through conventional concrete and other had bond between RPC and
conventional concrete (figure 4.2 (a)). Therefore modification in the preparation of the
specimen was made as shown in figure 4.2 (b).

The pull out test measures bond resistance of reinforcing bar with RPC. Two diameter HYSD
bars of 10 mm and 12 mm are used to find the bond strength of RPC with reinforcing bars.

(a) (b) (c) (d)

(a) Bisurface shear test trial specimen (b) Modified Bisurface test specimen

(c) Shear test specimen (d) Slant shear test specimen

Figure 4.2 Schematic diagram of test specimens

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The test specimen is mounted in a UTM in such a manner that the bar is pulled axially from
the cube. The test procedure is carried out as per the specifications laid in IS 2770_Part I 1967
(Reaffirmed 1997).

The maximum load for each type of failure is recorded and the bond strength is calculated as
maximum failure load divided by surface area of the embedded length of bar. After each test,
the specimens are carefully observed to identify the failure mode. Test age of specimen for all
test for mechanical properties described above is 28 days with four samples tested for each
proportion.

4.5 WORKABILITY OF RPC

Mechanical strength of RPC is observed to be directly associate with the spatial efficiency that
the constituents in the form of dry powder could be packed together. In fact in RPC, complete
cement may not be even hydrated. The very low water-cement ratios are used in RPC and it
necessitates the fluidizing power of high-quality third generation super-plasticizing agents to
achieve suitable desired workability.

Workability is measured using the flow table adhering to the specifications of IS 5512 (1983).
Specification for flow for use in tests of hydraulic cements and pozzolanic materials is used for
measuring the flow here for the reason that RPC is physically in form of mortar. As per IS:
4031_Part 7 (1998), it is desired to have a flow greater than 110 mm.

Similar to slump, mortar flow is a relative measure of workability. Mortar flow is most sensitive
to water content, dosage of super-plasticizer. Spherical glassy form of silica fume may affect
the workability. A flow test cannot identify which of these factors is changing-it simply
measures the flow of a given mortar. Uniformity of the mortar flow is the primary concern.

Here in this programme, to consider the various effects, the w/c ratio is varied from 0.2 to 0.35
with variation in silica fume from 0.15 to 0.3. The super plasticizer dosage for each mix is
varied on trial basis. The dosages are varied from 6 ml to 20 ml depending on the requirement
to have mixes having two extreme state of flow ability. First extreme is the one in which there
is no flow but the mix is just able to hold itself without any spread of particles and the second
extreme state is where the mix is flowable and having a flow greater than 110 mm.

Laboratory mixed mortar, where conditions are more controlled, should have a flow of
approximately 110 mm. In the field, mortar is usually mixed to a flow of about 120-140 mm.

52
The spread or the flow of the concrete is measured. This flow is related to workability. The
diameter of the concrete spread is measured in about 6 directions to the nearest 5 mm and the
average spread is noted. The pattern of spread of concrete is also noted.

From the same mix, four cube specimens of size 70.6 mm are cast and tested for its compressive
strength. A total of 252 specimens are cast for this part study of the experimental programme.

4.6 HUMIDITY AND TEMPERATURE EFFECTS

This section addresses the experimental procedure undertaken to understand the effects of
temperature and humidity on the development of compressive strength of RPC. RPC is cured
in an environmental chamber where different environmental conditions are generated,
maintained and monitored. From the previous studies, it is seen that hydration process, rate of
evaporation of water from concrete are affected due to any changes in the environmental
conditions affecting the development of strength.

When concrete is used in situ, controlling temperatures and humidity levels is not possible. For
studying these influences, four climatic zones which are categorized in IS 3792 (1978) are
selected for study, the details are given in table 4.3.

These four conditions are simulated in a humidity chamber and specimens are cured in those
conditions along with curing under standard laboratory condition (water cured at 27 °C) and
field curing (water cured at prevailing room temperature).

4.6.1 Humidity Chamber and Curing Conditions

A humidity chamber having a capacity of 90 litres having inner dimensions 51 x 43 x 43 cm is

used. The temperature range for the chamber is 10 °C to 60 °C with relative humidity range
from atmospheric humidity to 90 %. The four combinations of temperature and relative
humidity corresponding to four climatic zones given in table 4.3 are generated thereby
simulating on site climatic conditions to which RPC can be exposed. After completing the
desired curing period viz. 7, 14, and 28 days, the specimens are tested for their compressive
strengths. Apart from these four climatic conditions, the specimens are also water cured in
existing room temperature (uncontrolled temperature conditions), referred as field curing. Four
cube specimens of 70.6 mm size, for each curing conditions are prepared from mixes wherein
the sf/c ratio is varied as 0.15, 0.2, 025 and 0.3; the qs/c ratio is taken as 1.4 and 1.5 and w/c
ratio is kept constant equal to 0.3.

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 Table 4.3 Climatic zones

Sr. Climatic zone Specifications as per IS 3792 (1978) Conditions

No simulated

1 Hot and arid Regions where mean daily maximum dry bulb 40 °C – 32 % RH
(dry) zone
temperatures of 38 °C or higher, and relative
humidity of 40 % or less, prevail during the hottest
month of the year

2 Hot and humid Regions where mean daily maximum dry bulb 27 °C – 50 % RH
(temperate)
temperatures above 32 °C, and relative humidity
zone
above 40 %, prevail during the hottest month of the
year.

3 Warm and Regions where mean daily maximum dry bulb 35 °C – 75 % RH

humid zone
temperatures of 26 to 32 °C and relative humidity of
70 % or above prevail during the hottest month of the
year.

4 Cold zone Regions where mean daily minimum dry bulb 15 °C – 70 % RH

temperatures of 6 °C or less, prevail during the
coldest month of the year

In cold zone, the temperature reaches 17 – 24 °C during the day. The relative humidity is generally
high and ranges from 70 – 80 %.

The study further extends to investigate exclusive effect of temperature by curing specimens
of RPC having mix proportion 1:0.25:1.5 (c:sf:qs) in water kept at temperatures at 15 °C, 25
°C, 35 °C and 45 °C. An additional set of variation in curing condition is attained in humidity
chamber, wherein the temperature is kept constant at 27 °C and relative humidity is varied as
48 %, 60 %, 75 % and 90%. These eight curing conditions are specifically generated to
understand the exclusive effect of increasing temperature of curing water and the effect of
humidity at standard curing temperature on the compressive strength of RPC. For all the curing
conditions, compressive strength of the specimens is found at end of 7, 14 and 28 days of curing
by conducting the compression test on the specimens using CTM of 2000 kN capacity as
specified in IS 516 (1959). A total of 768 specimens are cast for this part of the experimental
programme.

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4.7 MODULUS OF ELASTICITY OF RPC

The modulus of elasticity ‘E’ is the one of the important property of any material which is used
as for a structural application. Since in this research project, the use of RPC in beam-column
joint and load deflection characteristics of RPC are to be studied, E for RPC becomes the
succeeding important property to be studied after its compressive strength. Unlike conventional
concrete, RPC is rather a homogeneous material and there is not much variance in the value of
E of matrix and aggregates.

4.7.1 Testing Procedure

The mix proportions used for this test is same as those for bond test. For each mix four samples
are tested for obtaining the results.

The specimen used for this test is a prism of size 70.7 mm x 70.7 mm x 141.4 mm. Moulds for
this size of specimens are specially prepared. Testing is done at the age of 28 days.

The mechanical strain gauge is attached centrally on the specimen with the help of elastic band
so that the knife edges of the strain gage remain at an equal distance from the centre of the
prism. This assembly is placed in the UTM (figure 4.3) and the uniaxial compressive load is
applied gradually, at a rate of 140 kg/sq cm/min. This test is carried as per the procedure laid
down in IS 516 -1959. The corresponding load at an equal interval of deflection at 0.002 mm
obtained from mechanical strain gage is noted down.

Figure 4.3 Experimental setup for Young’s modulus of elasticity

55
Readings are taken up to deformation of 0.04 mm. The strain gage is removed and then the
compression test is extended till failure of specimen.

Form the reading of load and deformation, the corresponding stress and strain values are
obtained and the stress strain curves are plotted. The initial slope of this curve gives the
modulus of elasticity (E).

For each mix the compressive strength is also found out and the relationship between E and
compressive strength (fck) is found out.

4.8 MIX DESIGN USING ANN

Since Reactive powder concrete is a complex composite material, mix proportioning methods
applicable to conventional concrete cannot adequately account for the large variations in the
properties of ingredients of RPC. Mix design of Reactive powder concrete is more complicated
as the coarse aggregates are excluded and materials like super-plasticizer and supplementary
cementitious materials like silica fume are included. In addition, a low w/c ratio has to be
maintained along with desired workability which makes the design process more complex.
Therefore Artificial Neural Network (ANN), which is based on the system identification
procedure, is used to predict the compressive strength of concrete based on proportions of
ingredients used.
ANN comprises of large parallel layers which are interconnected with each other via artificial
neurons. The artificial neurons are simple computational elements in the structure of ANN. In
ANN, most of the models developed are based on back-propagation neural networks (BPNN).
Here each parallel layer is associated with some weight. While training the network, these
weights associated with the layers can be modified based on the data that it collects as it learns.
Based on the output which is obtained at the completion of each cycle, comparison of the output
is made with the targeted output for the particular input data. Automatically the network goes
on learning from the previous cycles. At the end of each cycle, the error between the targeted
and obtained values is calculated. A permissible limit is defined for the error and the process
is continued till the error reaches that permissible limit value of error.
Once the network is trained, it is run, new input values of the experimental work are provided
to the network as input parameters. Output parameters are generated considering the associated
weights as well as the thresholds prescribed in the network.
In the process of the training of the network, the input as well as the output data are to be
normalized. Normalized data ensures the allocation of minimum value of the output variable

56
to a minimum anticipated value. It also allocates the maximum value of the output variable into
the maximum anticipated value. (S. N. Sivanandam et al., 2006).
4.8.1 Formulation of Problem for RPC Mix Design
The aim of the methodology is to find the desired compressive strength for a particular mix
proportion. Application of the procedure of ANN for finding strengths, necessitates
formulating the problem statement, to prepare the input data consisting of experimental results
in a desired format and input the data in the program in an apt way and finally run the program.
MATLAB software is used here for developing the neural network model. For the proposed
work, the compressive strength of concrete in this model is chosen as a function of three input
parameters viz. 'Water/Cement' ratio (w/c), 'Silica Fume/Cement' ratio (sf/c), and ‘Quartz
Sand/Cement' ratio (qs/c) as input features. Here for the model, feed forward back propagation
neural network is used.
Model used is one output model: Compressive Strength = f (w/c, sf/c, qs/c).The ANN model is
developed here using the data of comprehensive compression test results of 112 mixes carried
out earlier and mentioned in section 4.2.

4.8.2 Network Parameters

The network structure and parameters need to be selected so that the RMS error of the testing
data is minimized. These are selected as follows. Number of hidden layers = 1; Number of
input neurons = 4; Number of hidden neurons = 3; Learning cycles = 5,000; Goal = 0.000001.
This is selected after a number of trials.

The number of neurons in input layer and hidden layer are decided based upon a simple thumb
rule given by S. N. Sivanandam et al. (2006), > Where, = Number of inputs, =

Number of weights, = expected accuracy for the test

4.8.3 Modeling of Network

For the defined work, programming is done to create a neural network. Program modeling work
is divided into three parts viz.:

4.8.3.1 Create a network and train

Following are the steps used for creating a network.

1. The input data in the form of excel sheet is loaded into the program, which is matrix format
and the same is required to work in MATLAB.
2. The loaded data is normalized with an appropriate operation.

57
3. The total input data is divided as – 70 % for training, 15 % for validation and 15 % for
testing of the network which is by default division of the data by the network. We can adjust
the percentage of data required for the process as desired.
4. Then the training parameters are defined.
5. The defined input data, a percentage of data required for training, testing and validation of
the network, training parameters are applied to the network.
6. Run the program.
7. After the running of the program, the window will be displayed which asks to enter the
number of neurons in input and hidden layer respectively.
8. Then the process of training of the network displays after entering the number of neurons
in the input layer and hidden layer.
9. Figure 4.4 shows the process of training or learning process of the network.
It is necessary to simplify the learning process of the back-propagation neural network and
to reduce the time required for training, which depends on the learning algorithm adopted.
Levenberg-Marquardt algorithm is used here to train network. Network training function
‘trainlm’ that updates weight and bias values according to Levenberg-Marquardt
optimization is adopted. The learning algorithm routes the process in two stages.
Firstly, the input pattern produces a forward flow of signals from the input layer to the
output layer. Then the error of each output neuron is then calculated as the difference
between the computed and experimental values.
10. The network has taken 12 iterations to learn. Out of which, at 6th iteration, it has given its
best performance. The plot of best performance of the network is shown in figure 4.5.
11. The regression plot which gives the error between output values and targeted values of
various processes as training, validation, testing and average of all input data is obtained.
4.8.3.2 Find error

A program is written which gives the error between the targeted values and output values from
the trained network for a particular pair number from loaded input data. The steps for finding
the error between the targeted values and output values from the trained network for a particular
pair number are as follows:

1. The input data in the form of excel sheet is loaded into the program, which is matrix format
and the same is required to work in MATLAB.
2. The loaded data is normalized with an appropriate operation.

58
 Figure 4.4 Training process of network

Figure 4.5 Performance of training of network

3. Then the trained network is loaded.
4. Then, run the program.
5. The window will be displayed to enter the pair number of which we want to find error
between the output value and targeted value.
6. After entering the pair number it shows the result in terms of an error
59
4.8.3.3 Find compressive strength for defined mix proportion

The program is written to find the compressive strength of RPC for the desired mix proportion.

1. The trained network is loaded in the program, which is used to find the desired compressive
strength for defined mix proportion.
2. Run the program.
3. After running the program, a window will be displayed which is to enter the targeted
proportion values, w/c ratio, sf/c ratio and qs/c ratio, respectively.
4. After entering the mix proportions, the trained network gives the approximate compressive
strength.
The compressive strength for 12 mixes randomly kept aside are found using ANN and
compared with the experimental values.

4.9 EXPERIMENTAL PROGRAMME FOR TESTING OF BEAM-COLUMN JOINT

The experimental work is carried out for testing scaled models of beam –column joint made
using conventional concrete and RPC. Experimental program is briefly discussed in this
section.
Normal conventional concrete of M30 grade of concrete is designed as per IS 10262: 2009
having mix proportion 1: 1.71: 2.7 with 0.45 w/c ratio. Compressive strength observed at 7
days is 20 MPa (67 percent of design compressive strength) and for 28 days it is observed as
33 MPa. RPC having mix proportion 1: 0.25: 1.5 (c: sf: qs) with w/c ratio of 0.3 is used, the
properties of which have been already tested. HYSD - Fe 415 and MS - Fe 250 respectively
are used for the main reinforcement and for stirrups and ties. The main reinforcement of 8 mm
diameter and stirrups of 6 mm diameter are provided.

The models are tested using the loading frame. The loading frame is a RC, 3-D (3 m x 3 m plan
area), single bay, two level frame having bottom level height at 0.5 m and top level at 1.2 m
from floor level. There are two heavy I-sections beams resting on the lower level beams which
can be positioned in desired place by moving them. In this study one of the bottom I-section
beam is used to support the beam-column specimen with some fixing mechanism discussed
later. A hydraulic jack is mounted on the top I section beam and is used to apply the load on
the specimen. I-section beam is responsible for taking the reaction of the hydraulic jack and it
is fixed to the top RCC beam with bolting system. The experimental set-up consists of two
hydraulic jacks having capacity 50 tonnes and 20 tonnes with 150 mm strokes. Hydraulic jacks
are having working pressures as 443 kg/cm2 and 400 kg/cm2. The effective piston areas for the

60
jacks are 113 cm2 and 50.26 cm2 respectively. To record the load precisely a proving ring of
18.756 kg weight and the least count 0.2 mm is used.
4.9.1 Trial Specimen and End Conditions
To start with the experimental program, two trial specimen are cast using conventional concrete
of M30 grade so as to check the functionality of the experimental set up and feasibility of sizes
and boundary conditions for specimen. Full scale model having column size (L x B x D) mm
equal to 1600 x 200 x 200 mm and beam size (L x B x D) mm equal to 800 x 180 x 200 mm is
cast along with an half scale model having exactly the half dimensions. The main reinforcement
and shear reinforcement 12 mm & 8 mm tor steel bars are provided as per the design. The
reinforcement cage as well the formwork required for the above specimens is prepared by
skilled labours. The specimens are then cast in casting yard and curing is done using wet gunny
bags. After curing for 28 days, the specimens are transported to testing area (MIT, Pune) using
crane mounted on the truck. The crane is used to lift the specimen with precaution such that
there would not be any damage to specimen at corners or edges. The full scale beam is then
carefully mounted in the loading frame for test. The above procedure described is shown in the
photos given in figure 4.6.

As per the literature review carried out, there are many possibilities of setup of specimens. The
first trial condition adopted was provision of pinned support to the columns.

(a) Formwork of trial specimen (b) Cast trial specimen

Figure 4.6 Preparation of trial specimens and its setup.

61
This was tried using two square MS plates of size 210 x 210 x 25 mm having groove at centre
of depth 15 mm and diameter 40 mm, to accommodate a hard steel ball between the plates. The
steel ball is of 32.8 mm diameter made up of a high chromium and high carbon content in it.
The plates are grooved in such a way that 1/3th of portion of ball will be in lower and 1/3th of
portion of ball will be in upper plate enabling rotation in the upper plate.
The specimen is installed in its position, the alignment of specimen, alignment of hydraulic
jack for vertical load is checked. The specimen is now subjected to vertical load at tip of the
beam by the hydraulic jack which is ultimately reacted against a loading frame.
At the time of testing, it is observed that slippage of trial specimen from MS plates occurred at
the column ends and there is rigid body rotation of the specimen. The specimen became too
difficult to handle and due to these limitations in full scale specimen, half scale main specimens
are considered for further project work. The end conditions are also modified to ensure stability
of the specimen during testing. The exact dimensions of the specimens and the fixed end
conditions are describe further in the next section.
4.9.2 Fixed End Conditions for Half Scaled Models
Taking into considerations the various parameters such as the dimensions of the loading frame,
dimensions of I section beams used to transfer the reactions, the minimum height required by
hydraulic jack to apply load, dimensions of half scaled model are fixed. The cross-section of
column and beam are respectively 115 mm x 115 mm and 115 mm x 90 mm. The length of
beam is 400 mm and column height is 987 mm. Here the exact half scaled length of the column
would have been 800 mm but to adjust the specimen in testing frame, it is made 987 mm. The
centre-line of beam is at 645.5 mm from top of column, unsymmetrical again to accommodate
the length of piston of hydraulic jack.
For fixed end boundary conditions two mild steel plates with collar having sizes 450 x 450 x 8
mm and 300 x 300 x 8 mm are prepared with four corner holes of 22 mm diameter to pass 20
mm nut through it. The height of the collar is kept 100 mm so that column fits in the collar
perfectly. The size of collar is 118 x 118 mm to fit the specimen of 115 x 115 mm. The 23 and
16 mm diameter bolts are used to fix the bottom and top plates of the mould respectively to the
‘I’ beams of the loading frame. A typical test arrangement is shown in figure 4.7.
Figure 4.8 shows the schematic sketch of the experimental set up to test specimen. It shows the
loading position, end conditions and positions of the dial gauge for deflection measurement.
The monotonically increasing load is applied on the tip of the beam by means of hydraulic jack
through proving ring.

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(a) Bottom fixing arrangement (b) Top fixing Arrangement
Figure 4.7 Fixing arrangement of the specimens

Figure 4.8 Fixing of specimen in experimental set-up

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4.9.3 Testing Specimen Details
The experimental program consists testing of four exterior beam-column specimens namely
VRNBCJ, IRNBCJ, FRBCJ and NBCJ. The nomenclature stands for; VRNBCJ: Vertical RPC
and Normal Concrete Beam-column Joint, IRNBCJ: Inclined RPC and Normal Concrete
Beam-Column Joint, FRBCJ: Full RPC Beam-Column Joint, NBCJ: Normal Concrete Beam-
Column Joint Specimen. NBCJ and FRBCJ are the specimen cast with completely normal
concrete and RPC respectively.
Specimen VRNBCJ is specimen with the provision of vertical bonding between M30 & RPC
near to joint at 50 mm from the column face. During casting stage, RPC is used at core part of
joint. Specimen IRNBCJ is the specimen casted with inclined joint between RPC & M30
concrete in beam at 50 mm from the face of column. The angle of inclination for the joint is
kept 30° with the horizontal face of beam. 30° inclination of RPC is decided from observations
of slant shear test which is performed at the time testing the RPC mechanical properties. The
typical joint for VRNBCJ and IRNBCJ are shown in figure 4.9 (b) and figure 4.9 (c)
respectively. The dimensions of column and beam sections of all specimens are 115 mm x 115
mm and 90 mm x 115 mm, respectively. It should be noted that the all specimen has a
reinforcement provided such that the failure is ensured in beam-column joint area. The strong
column weak beam philosophy is reversed here. The joint area is made the weakest particularly
to understand the behaviour of beam-column joint. Figure 4.9 (a) shows dimensions and
reinforcement of the control specimen. The reinforcement consists of longitudinal
reinforcement of the beam element of 8 mm diameter bars placed along both the top and bottom
faces in two rows 52 mm centre-to-centre apart. The transverse reinforcement of all specimens
in the beam comprises two-legged 6 mm diameter stirrups with a 150 mm centre-to-centre
spacing. The column longitudinal reinforcement comprises 8 mm diameter bars four in
numbers. The transverse reinforcement in the form of ties comprises two-legged 6 mm
diameter as shown in figure 4.9 (a).
4.9.4 Casting of Specimens

The moulds of required dimensions are prepared using 12 mm thick plywood. The inner faces
of the mould are oiled well for prevention of absorption of water from concrete and to aid easy
removal of the specimen.

The reinforcement cages are placed in the moulds and cover between cage and form provided
is maintained as 15 mm using cement mortar cover block as shown in figure 4.10 (a).

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 55
.

225
.
(b) Details of joint of VRNBCJ

203 .

225
.

55

(c) Details of joint of IRNBCJ

(a) Reinforcement details of the specimens

Figure 4.9 Details of beam-column joint specimen

Concrete mix designed for M30 grade is prepared keeping w/c ratio as 0.45. The concrete
contents such as cement, fine and coarse aggregate and water are weighed accurately and
mixed. The mixing is done in pan mixer till uniform mix is obtained.

The RPC mix is prepared with the method stated earlier in section 4.2.2. The concrete is placed
into the mould immediately after mixing and well compacted.

In the VRNBCJ, IRNBCJ specimen the plates used for bifurcating the sections of normal
concrete and RPC are slowly removed first and the concrete is compacted again. After 24 hours
the identifications are marked on each specimen. They are cured in water for 28 days with
gunny bags. After 28 days of curing the specimen is dried in air and white washed and
centrelines are marked on the surfaces.

Figures 4.10 (b) and (c) shows the casting of VRNBCJ and IRNBCJ respectively.

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 (a) Formwork along with reinforcement for beam-column joint specimen.

(b) Casting of VRNBCJ specimen showing reinforcement & plates to create joint area

(c) Formwork with plates for creating joint area and reinforcement for IRNBCJ specimen

Figure 4.10 Experimental photos of casting of specimens

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4.9.5 Experimental Testing

Specimens are fitted in the experimental set up and are subjected to vertical load at tip of the
beam by hydraulic jack which is reacted against the strong frame. The measurements consist
of 1) Vertical force applied; 2) Displacements; 3) First cracking load; 4) Crack development
pattern; 5) Failure load. Four dial gauges are fixed in position to measure the deflections. One
of dial gauges is fixed at the tip of beam under the loading point and other one is at the centre
of beam. These two dial gauges records the deflection of beam for applied loading. Position of
remaining two dial gauges is at the centre of joint and at the top half height of column placed
horizontally.
The monotonic loading is applied at the free end of the beam by means of hydraulic jack and
recorded by means of proving ring. The position loading is 50 mm from the end of beam. As
described earlier, fix support condition is implemented for fixing the specimens. While fixing
the specimen in experimental setup the verticality of the specimen is checked with help of
plumb bob. Load, deflection and crack patterns at different incremental loading are observed.

(a) Before applying load (b) During testing (c) After testing

Figure 4.11 Experimental testing photos

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Figure 4.11 shows the photos of NBCJ specimen before applying load, during the testing and
end of testing.
All other specimens are tested in similar way. The results of the experimental testing of each
of the specimen are used to validate the analytical studies carried using computational
technique. ANSYS 14.5 software is used to have the results through computational technique.
The analytical method to analyse the beam-column joints is explained in the next section.

4.10 FINITE ELEMENT ANALYSIS OF BEAM-COLUMN JOINT

The beam-column joint tested experimentally are analysed using finite element analysis. The
dimensions of the beam-column joint used in experimental programme are actually fixed using
the results of the analysis carried for a G+13 storey residential building having plan dimensions
28 m x 28 m located in Zone-III is selected as shown in figure 4.12 (a). The design data required
for analysis and design of building is given below. Live load, wind load and seismic loads are
considered as per IS 456: 2000 and IS 1893: 2002.

a) Grade of concrete : M30

b) Grade of steel considered : Fe250, Fe415
c) Live load on roof: 2 kN/m2
d) Live load on floors : 4 kN/m2
e) Roof finish : 1.0 kN/m2
f) Floor finish : 1.0 kN/m2
g) External brick wall thickness: 230 mm thick
h) Internal brick wall thickness: 115 mm thick
i) Beam in longitudinal direction : 230 x 450 mm
j) Beam in transverse direction : 230 x 450 mm
k) Column size : 450 x 650 mm
l) Density of concrete : 25 kN/m3
m) Density of brick wall including plaster : 20 kN/m3
By substituting the above data in ETABS software, the building is analyse for post-processing
to get the bending moment, shear force and point of contra-flexure for finalization of the
dimensions of beam-column joint models.

Figure 4.12 (c) shows the centre-line plan of the proposed building. After complete analysis of
building, the exterior beam-column joint at 8th floor is identified as critical one having
maximum bending moment of 475 kN-m and shear force of 250 kN. Figure 4.12 (b) shows
point of contra-flexure for beam 172 at a distance of 0.89 m.

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 (a) Architectural plan (b) Point of contra-flexure-beam 172

(c) Centreline plan

Figure 4.12 Architectural plan, point of contra-flexure-beam 172 and centre-line plan

The distance between points of contra-flexure in column at this joint is 1.975 m. These values
are used as guidelines for deciding the dimensions of full scale and half scale trial specimens.

4.10.1 Finite Element Method

The Finite Element Method (FEM) is a numerical analysis for obtaining approximate solutions
to a wide variety of engineering problems.

In this research work, three softwares are used namely PRO-E (Creo), HYPERMESH and
ANSYS are used. PRO-E software is used for making the geometry of the model.

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HYPERMESH software is pre-processor which is used for meshing purpose and assigning the
material properties. 3-D (Tetra) meshing is carried out on all surfaces of the geometry.

ANSYS software is based on non-linear finite element analysis used for post-processing
purpose. HYPERVIEW is used to visualize data interactively as well as capture and standardize
post-processing activities using process automation features.

4.10.2 Material Modeling

Finite Element Analysis necessitate proper selection of element types. For beam-column joints
the material modelling involves selection of element for concrete and steel .The concrete
portion is modeled by use of SOLID 65 element and the reinforcement is modeled by using
LINK 8 element [ANSYS (APDL) version 14.0 tutorials]. The SOLID 65 element has eight
nodes. The degrees of freedom at each node are three translational in the nodal X, Y & Z
directions as shown in figure 4.13 (a). The element can be used to analyse cracking in tension
and crushing in compression. The element can be used in the analysis of problems with or
without reinforcements. Three different reinforcement specification can be defined in this
element. For unreinforced concrete, reinforcement can be removed by assigning the volume
ratio equal to zero.

LINK 8 element can be considered as a truss element, a reinforcing bar and a bolt. This uniaxial
element can consider tension-compression with three degrees of freedom at each node:
translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. No bending of the element is considered. This
element is capable of considering the effects due plasticity, creep, swelling and stress
stiffening. Cross sectional area of the element is a real constant. This element is shown in figure
4.13 (b).

(a) (b)
Figure 4.13 SOLID 65 element and LINK 8 element

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Material property input plays an important role in HYPERMESH modeling. Modulus of
elasticity and characteristic compressive strength are required as inputs. In modeling the beam-
column joint, the modeling of concrete is very crucial, since concrete is heterogeneous material
and is completely a nonlinear material. Its behaviour is different in tension and compression.
Generally the tensile strength of concrete is can be 8 % to 15 % of the compressive strength.
This is depicted in the figure 4.14 which shows the typical stress-strain curve for normal
concrete. The graph shows that in compression, the curve follows a linear path initially and
concrete can be considered linearly elastic at least up to 30 percent of the maximum
compressive strength. Beyond this point, the stress increases gradually up to the ultimate
compressive strength, and then descends forming softening zone, ultimately failing due to
crushing at an ultimate strain εcu. Whereas in tension region of the curve, it is seen that the
linearity is followed up to the maximum tensile strength. Later, the concrete cracks and the
strength decreases suddenly.

Thereby for assigning the properties in HYPERMESH concrete model, following are the input
data required to create the material model for concrete in HYPERMESH.

i. Modulus of Elasticity, (Ec)

ii. Poisson’s Ratio, (ν)
iii. Ultimate Uni-axial compressive strength, (fc’)
iv. Ultimate Uni-axial tensile strength, (ft’)

Figure 4.14 Typical stress-strain curve for concrete

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In absence of experimental data, the values of Ec and ft would follow IS 456 (2000). Poisson’s
ratio for concrete can be taken as 0.2 for all the specimens. Here value of stress and strain in
the form of stress-strain curve achieved from the experimentation are used for the modelling
of concrete to obtain accuracy in results.

Figure 4.15 shows the actual stress-strain curve for M30 grade concrete and RPC which is used
for non-linear analysis. The stress strain curve for the steel for the finite element models is that
for an elastic-perfectly plastic material and it is identical in tension and compression. Properties
like young’s modulus 2x105 MPa and Poisson’s ratio of 0.3 is used for the steel reinforcement
in this project. Figure. 4.16 shows the stress-strain relationship used in the modeling.

(a) Stress-strain curve for M30 grade concrete

(b) Stress-strain curve for RPC

Figure 4.15 Actual stress-strain curve for concrete

The material properties defined in software for reinforcement concrete are given in table 4.4.

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 Table 4.4 Material properties of reinforced concrete

Element Type Material Property

Modulus of elasticity 2.5x1010 N/m2

Concrete (Solid 65) Poisson ratio 0.2

Density 25000 N/m3

Modulus of elasticity 2.1x1011 N/m2

Steel (Link 8) Poisson ratio 0.3

Density 78500 N/m3

Modulus of elasticity 5x1011 N/m2

Reactive powder concrete
Poisson ratio 0.15
(Solid 65)

Density 22000 N/m3

Figure 4.16 Idealised stress-strain curve for steel

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4.10.3 Finite Element Modeling of Beam-Column Joints

Modeling is one of the important criterion in Finite Element Analysis. The modeling of beam-
column joints using HYPERMESH consist of three stages;

i. Element type selection

ii. Assigning the material properties
iii. Meshing the geometry
The typical detailing of the reinforcements as per code IS 456:2000 generated by the
HYPERMESH are shown in figure 4.17 (a). The model of specifications defined in section
4.9.2 is generated. After creating the model in finite element analysis meshing has to be done.
The mesh size of 20 mm in the beam and column area, 5 mm at joint region is adopted. In order
to obtain accurate results from the FE model, the size of the element meshing is reduced by 10
mm each time.

Figure 4.17 (b) shows the typical view of meshed model. The models wherein the RPC is used
in joint area is modeled by giving the properties of RPC to the elements in that region. In this
research work quasi static loading monotonic loading is considered for analytical as well as
experimental work. Once the results of these are validated quasi-static reversed cyclic loading
is applied to all the models.

Quasi-static loading (monotonic loading) is a very slowly applied loading in one direction. It
may be in upward or downward direction. In monotonic loading for the failure of the member
the load is maximum. Therefore, the structures must be designed for monotonic loading. If the
structures are designed as per monotonic loading, the structures are safe in other loading
systems.

Displacement boundary conditions are applied to the model get a unique solution. The supports
and loading are applied exacting in the way as it exists in the experimental conditions, to ensure
that the model behaves as the experimental beam-column joint model. Both the column ends
are provided with fixed boundary conditions as shown in figure 4.17 (b).

A monotonic is applied at the free end of the beam as shown in figure 4.17 (b). The load is
increased in steps up to a controlled load.

Finite element analysis is carried out for beam-column specimens. ANSYS is used for post
processing. The performance of the beam-column joint models predicted by the ANSYS is
compared with the experimental results.

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(a) Typical view of reinforcement details (b) Typical meshing, support and loading conditions

Figure 4.17 Modeling of beam-column joint

4.10.4 Quasi Static Cyclic Loading

Once the results are validated, the quasi static cyclic loading is now applied to all models. The
typical loading history cycle for each displacement is shown in figure 4.18. Initially the
displacement is 0.2 mm then it increased to 0.4, 0.8, 1.6, 3.2, 6.4, and 12.8 respectively.

Figure 4.18 Loading History

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Quasi-static reversed cyclic loading is a load applied very slowly in both direction (cyclic).The
process for the cyclic loading case of assigning the material properties and meshing of models
are again performed in HYPERMESH. The models are then imported in ANSYS for post
processing. After analysing the models in ANSYS, the resulting stress distribution and
deflection are generated for all models. The corresponding load versus displacement plots for
all models are also generated for analytical results. Energy dissipation capacities for all the
specimens are calculated from load versus deflection curves.

All the models in the study are displacement controlled. The behaviour of all the beam-column
joint models under the cyclic loading is different depending on the level of displacement. In
this displacement controlled model, a particular displacement to the free end of beam is
allowed. The corresponding load is obtained by analysing the model in ANSYS. The stress
results are taken at the time of first visible crack load (FCL) and at ultimate failure of the model.

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