Experimental Investigation of Reinforced Concrete Column Connections with Different Sizes and Orientations

This paper aims to investigate the behavior of connections between RC columns with different sections and directions due to architectural needs. Also, it presents a method to calculate the resistance of these connections. There is nothing in the various codes that is useful to determine the necessary recommendations when connecting columns with different sections and directions; the current research aims to cover this gap. In this research, eighteen RC column specimens were tested under concentric loading. Various parameters were studied as shapes, directions of columns, stirrups, column sizes, and slab confining effects. The research investigated the loads, axial displacement, and failure patterns for every specimen from the tested columns. Additionally, the outcomes from the 18 columns, including crack patterns, axial load paths, and axial shortening of columns, were analyzed. The experimental study revealed that the inclusion of the slab significantly enhances the connection's capacity for axial loads. Also, escalating the number of stirrups increases the bearing capacity of column connections. Finally, an axial load-carrying capacity prediction equation for these types of RC column connections was proposed.