Seismic performance of geopolymer concrete beam-column joints under reverse cyclic loading

All structural elements of the building are subjected to reverse cyclic loading during earthquakes, which causes large inelastic deformations in beam-column joints. Use of ductile concrete and presence of confinement in the joint region can reduce the seismic failure of beam-column joints. Cement industries produce a massive amount of greenhouse gases during its production and lead to global warming. Cement concrete is brittle in nature. It is necessary to reduce the production of cement for maintaining environmental sustainability. The present study investigates the behaviour of steel fibre reinforced geopolymer concrete beam-column joints under reverse cyclic loading. Steel fibres were added to GGBS-Dolomite geopolymer concrete to reduce its brittle nature. Enhanced strength properties were identified geopolymer concrete due to the presence of steel fibres. Parametric studies were conducted by finite element methods and observed similar load–deflection behaviour between GPC specimens (without ductile detailing) and cement concrete specimens in which ductile detailing provided as per IS 13920–2016, with reduced cost/strength ratio. Provision of ductile reinforcements creates congestion problem at the joints, which can be reduced by the use of geopolymer concrete made from GGBS and dolomite.