# Experimental Study on the Mechanical Performance of Reinforced Concrete Joints Connected by T-Shaped Steel Plates

## TL;DR

This paper studies the mechanical performance of reinforced concrete joints connected with T-shaped steel plates to improve structural safety and sustainability.

## Contribution

The study introduces and evaluates a new joint type using T-shaped steel plates for reinforced concrete structures.

## Key findings

- The new joint type showed improved seismic performance indicators like ductility and energy dissipation.
- Strain analysis revealed effective force transmission mechanisms in the T-shaped steel plate joints.
- The findings support the use of this joint type for structural retrofitting and sustainable construction.

## Abstract

In the case of engineering structures, the performance of a structure will gradually deteriorate with an increase in the usage time, leading to a decrease in the safety of the structure. In addition, even if the safety of a structure is reliable, its current structure type may no longer meet the latest usage requirements. Therefore, four reinforced concrete specimens were produced in this study: one was a cast-in-place specimen, and three were specimens connected by a T-shaped steel plate with steel cladding reinforcement. This article first introduces the structural form and construction method of the new types of joints, and then it describes the quasi-static testing that was conducted to analyze seismic performance indicators such as the failure characteristics, bearing capacity, ductility, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation. Finally, combined with a strain analysis of the steel bars and steel plates, the force transmission mechanism of the new types of joints was investigated. The research content of this paper helps to promote the progress of structural retrofitting and strengthening work and the sustainable development of the construction industry.