Crack Pattern Analysis and Reinforcement Strain Development in UHPSFRC-Strengthened RC Joints

Trung-Hieu Tran

doi:10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-014

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Trung-Hieu Tran
hieutt@hau.edu.vn
Faculty of Civil Engineering, Hanoi Architectural University, Hanoi,, Viet Nam

Vol. 11 No. 4 (2025): April

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This study assesses the effectiveness of ultra-high performance steel fiber-reinforced concrete (UHPSFRC) in improving the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) exterior joints, emphasizing crack patterns and reinforcement strain development. Three full-scale specimens (a conventional RC control joint and two UHPSFRC-strengthened versions with 800 mm and 1025 mm strengthening lengths) were subjected to reversed cyclic loading to mimic seismic forces. Crack progression and strain distribution were examined through visual observations, strain gauges, and displacement data, offering a detailed evaluation of joint performance. Findings indicate that UHPSFRC enhances shear resistance, reduces crack widths significantly (<0.5 mm compared to >2 mm in the control), and modifies failure modes: the 800 mm length shifts damage to beam flexural failure, while the 1025 mm length increases peak capacity (231.4 kN vs. 185.8 kN) but reverts to joint shear failure. The novelty lies in UHPSFRC's ability to replace transverse reinforcement in congested joint zones, enhancing ductility and easing construction difficulties. This research provides fresh insights into optimizing UHPSFRC application length, delivering practical guidance for seismic retrofitting, and contributing to design standards for robust RC frames in seismic regions.

Doi: 10.28991/CEJ-2025-011-04-014

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Publication Start Year:	2015
JCR 2023 Impact Factor (IF):	4.3
JIF QUARTILE:	Q1
SJR 2023 Quartile:	Q1
Acceptance Rate:	27%
Review Speed (Average):	76 days
Issue Per Year:	12
Number of Volumes:	10
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Number of Reviewers:	3417
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WoS h-index:	34
Scopus CiteScore:	7.0
No. of Google Citations:	17324
Google h-index:	47
Google i10-index:	393
Abstract Views:	5,819,908
PDF Download:	3,790,637

Crack Pattern Analysis and Reinforcement Strain Development in UHPSFRC-Strengthened RC Joints

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