Refined shear strength modeling of reinforced concrete beam-column joints for resilience based seismic design

Enhancing the seismic resilience of reinforced concrete frame systems depends on an accurate understanding of beam-column joint behavior under cyclic and dynamic loading. Traditional design methods often rely on broad empirical equations, which may overlook important interactions within the joint core and result in unreliable safety margins. In this study, a tailored framework is introduced, utilizing geometry-sensitive calibration methods to improve the reliability of joint shear strength predictions. Two new approaches, the Geometry-Based Scaling Factor (GBSF) and the Area Ratio Scaling Factor (ARSF) were developed and validated using a comprehensive set of joint tests covering a range of materials and configurations. These statistically derived factors were incorporated into widely used design codes, leading to a noticeable reduction in prediction errors and variability. Overall, these advancements support the design of safer, more resilient structures in earthquake-prone regions and offer greater protection for critical infrastructure against brittle joint failure.