model exterior and interior beam-column connections.
The FE results were compared with the authors’ experimental
results, and good agreement between the two was
achieved. A parametric study was conducted using the
validated FE model to study the behavior and the critical
parameters influencing the shear strength of exterior and
interior beam-column connections. The FE results agreed
well with proposed shear strength equations and the
following are the most important conclusions:
1. The behaviors of exterior and interior beam-column
connections are different. The parameters influencing the shear
capacity are different for exterior and interior connections;
2. The most important factors affecting the shear capacity
of exterior beam-column connections are the concrete
compressive strength, the joint slenderness of the connection,
the beam reinforcement (ratio, detailing, and anchorage),
and the amount of stirrups inside the joint. Regarding the
concrete compressive strength, the shear capacity can be
described as a function of (fc′ )1/3;
3. For interior beam-column connection, the main parameter
influencing the shear capacity is the concrete compressive
strength fc′. The relationship between the shear capacity and
fc′ is linear.