Composite Beam–Column Joints under Seismic Loading: A State-of-the-Art Review

Abstract

Composite beam–column joints represent a key structural component in modern seismic-resistant systems, where strength, stiffness, ductility, and energy dissipation capacity are enhanced through the interaction of concrete and structural steel. Steel-reinforced concrete (SRC) beam–column joints have gained a lot of interest among various composite configurations because they combine the high tensile strength, stiffness, and ductile behavior of embedded steel sections with the confinement effect and compressive resistance of concrete. Despite these benefits, the concentration of shear stresses, cyclic load reversals, cracking, bond deterioration, stiffness degradation, and potential strength loss make the joint region one of the most critical zones under earthquake loading. This paper presents a state-of-the-art review of the seismic behavior and shear-resisting mechanisms of composite beam–column joints, with particular emphasis on SRC joint systems. The review discusses the main parameters influencing joint performance, including concrete compressive strength, yield strength of steel sections and transverse reinforcement, joint geometry, axial load ratio, connection type, and the dimensions of embedded steel sections in both beams and columns, such as web height and web thickness. The effects of column height, beam length, reinforcement detailing, and interior versus exterior joint configuration are also examined in relation to shear capacity and cyclic performance. A clear and critical understanding of the mechanical behavior reported in earlier experimental, analytical, and numerical investigations is the goal of this review, in contrast to studies that concentrate on creating new databases or predictive models. According to the reviewed literature, composite beam-column joints, especially SRC joints, can offer better seismic performance when the joint core is appropriately detailed and the steel-concrete interaction is successfully developed. However, several research gaps remain, including the limited availability of experimental data, insufficient modeling of cyclic stiffness and strength degradation, uncertainty regarding bond-slip behavior between steel and concrete, limited studies on high-strength materials, and the lack of consistent reporting of key experimental parameters. Addressing these challenges is essential for improving future analytical models and supporting the development of reliable seismic design provisions for composite beam–column joint systems.