An analytical and experimental investigation was conducted herein to examine the cyclic load behavior of beam–column joint subassemblages, typical of both the modern reinforced concrete (RC) structures and of the pre-1960s–1970s existing ones. Seven exterior RC beam–column joint subassemblages were constructed and subjected to earthquake-type loading. Three specimens were designed according to the requirements of the Eurocode (EC) for ductility class medium (DCM), while the other three specimens possessed poor seismic details, conforming to past building codes. The hysteresis behavior of the subassemblages was evaluated. An analytical model was used to calculate the ultimate shear capacity of the beam–column joint area, while also predicting accurately the failure mode of the specimens. It was clearly demonstrated experimentally and analytically that it is possible for excessive seismic damage of the beam–column joint region to occur when designing according to the current European building codes. In addition, the proposed analytical model was found to be very satisfactory in accurately predicting seismic behavior and in preventing the premature brittle shear failure of the joints. The seventh subassemblage, constructed with steel fiber RC and significantly less transverse reinforcement than that required according to the EC, exhibited satisfactory ductile seismic performance, demonstrating the effectiveness of the proposed design solution.

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