The Influence of α-Fe2O3 Nanoparticles on the Reinforced Concrete Beam–Column Joint Under Cyclic Loading

This paper investigates the application of one-pot hydrothermal synthesis of α-Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles for the enhancement of beam–column joint strength and its effect under cyclic loading. The study focused on the analysis of the beam–column joint in a moment-resisting framed structure when the structure is subjected to seismic loading. In this research, engineered cementitious composite using four different percentages of nano-Fe 2 O 3 material is explored. The main parameters considered for this analysis were hysteresis behaviour, envelope curve, stiffness degradation, failure modes and energy dissipation using conventional reinforcement detailing within the joint core. During the analysis, the behaviour of specimens with different percentages of nanomaterial is compared and briefly discussed. The optimum percentage of Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles material was found to be 3%, beyond which engineering properties were declining. The development of a Fe 2 O 3 nanoparticles specimen improved the strength and energy absorption, which allows civil engineers to design beam–column joints having superior resistive properties towards seismic activities.