Convergence Study of Reinforced Concrete Beam-Column Joints Under Impact Loads

Convergence of mesh size is vital in Finite Element Analysis (FEA). It helps the user procure better results and hence enables the user to rely on the FEA model results. FEA models are beneficial in reducing the cost of studies that are otherwise not feasible with experimental models. It allows a faster design of the models in the required studies. However, only after the mesh convergence study, results of the FEA models are considered as fit, accompanied by adequate material models, boundary conditions, loading provided to the model. For validation, experimental literature chosen as such that a steel impactor hits a Reinforced-Concrete (RC) beam-column joint with an absolute velocity at the beam free end. This present model, validated on various parameters like the displacement of the beam and residual velocity of the structure after the impactor has hit the structure. This paper has attempted to converge the mesh size of RC beam-column joint experimental models from the literature, and hence set a mesh size fit to simulate other such models.