Thesis (M. Eng.)--Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Dept. of Civil and Environmental Engineering, 2006.Includes bibliographical references (leaves 41-42).Earthquakes occur as a result of sudden displacements across a fault within the earth. The seismic waves that result from them propagate along the earth's surface and are the cause of multiple damages especially in civil engineering. The main objective of this study is to compare different types of concrete (RC, HSRC and SFRC) in order to determine the one that will contribute the most to increase the steadiness of buildings in seismic regions at the connection between beams and columns. The first part of this paper consists of introducing these different types of concrete. Then cracks patterns analyses are run at the joint between beam and column. In that part, theoretical approach precedes experimental application. Finally, explanation about benefits and advantages of using SFRC in joints of buildings subjected to seismic excitations will be provided. In fact, concrete reinforced with short steel fibers is associated with its ability to control cracking and enhances properties of concrete.by Aurélie Blé.M.Eng
