Comparative study of RC and ECC beam-column connections with shear deficit spacing under quasi-static conditions

This study evaluates the seismic performance of beam-column joints using Engineered Cementitious Composite (ECC) compared to Reinforced Concrete (RC) under quasi-static loading. Five full-scale specimens, one control RC specimen and four ECC specimens with varying configurations were tested. The study examines parameters such as load-bearing capacity, ductility, energy dissipation, and cracking behavior. Results revealed that ECC significantly outperformed conventional concrete, increasing the mean ultimate load by 28.96% and ductility by 23.95% in specimens with proper shear spacing. While ECC specimens with shear deficits exhibited 26.75% lower energy dissipation, extending ECC into the plastic hinge zones increased dissipation by 58.06%. These findings demonstrate ECC's effectiveness in enhancing seismic resilience, particularly in cases with inadequate shear reinforcement, and underscore its potential as a viable alternative to traditional reinforcement strategies.