Experimental and numerical approaches for evaluating steel fiber reinforced concrete beam column joints: A state-of-the-art review

Abstract

Beam-Column Joints (BCJs) are critical structural components that experience significant stress concentrations, making them particularly vulnerable to failure under seismic loading. While conventional reinforcement techniques can enhance their performance, they often lead to excessive congestion and construction challenges, limiting their efficiency. In contrast, Steel Fiber Reinforced Concrete (SFRC) has emerged as a promising alternative, offering superior crack resistance, ductility, and energy absorption, thereby improving the seismic resilience of BCJs. This review provides a comprehensive assessment of SFRC BCJs through experimental and numerical studies, employing bibliometric and systematic review methodologies. It examines key aspects such as BCJ shear mechanisms, shear strength, relevant design code provisions, and the mechanical properties and constitutive models of SFRC. By synthesizing major research findings, this paper highlights SFRC’s contributions to enhancing shear strength, energy dissipation, and failure mode mitigation. Additionally, this review identifies critical knowledge gaps, emphasizing the need for long-term durability studies, refined numerical modeling techniques, large-scale experimental validation, and design code updates for the full integration of SFRC in seismic-resistant structures. It also underscores the importance of updated seismic codes, hybrid fiber systems, and AI-driven modeling to optimize SFRC BCJ performance. By bridging experimental and computational insights, this study advances the adoption of SFRC in seismic-resistant design, paving the way for safer, more cost-effective infrastructure in earthquake-prone regions.