Seismic Assessment of RC Frames with HPFRCC in Plastic Hinges of Beams and Columns

Because of the high strain capacity of (HPFRCC), using this material in the beam-column connection is more attention paid by researchers. After verification of numerical models for 3 type of beam-column connections using OPENSEES software and comparison with experimental results, two 2D frames with 5 and 10 stories has been created to study. Each frame is considered in 4 format containing conventional concrete in all elements (RC), containing of (HPFRCC) in beam-column connections (RCH1) and at the end of beams, containing of (HPFRCC) in beam-column connections, end of beams and first story column base (RCH2) and containing of (HPFRCC) in beam-column connections, end of beams, first story column base and end of other columns. Results from nonlinear time history analysis show using of (HPFRCC) in frames has been decreased maximum story drift angle, maximum roof displacement and has been increased maximum base shear based on average results from seven earthquake records. With regard to Higher dissipated energy and stiffness in beam column connections with (HPFRCC) respect to conventional concrete, result show the average of maximum drift angle of 5-RCH1, 5-RCH2 and 5-RCH3 frames have been decreased up to 35%, 31% and 38% with respect to 5-RC frame. Also these parameters for 10-RCH1, 10-RCH2 and 10-RCH3 frames have been decreased up to 44%, 41% and 49% with respect to 10-RC frame.