The results of tests on four beam-column joint specimens are reported. It is shown that a joint which contained bond plates to prevent a bond failure of the flexural reinforcement in the joint, and was proportioned to limit yielding of the steel in this zone, had a markedly superior performance to specimens designed to comply with the ACI-318-71 code,
or the proposals of May 1976 for the revision of the N.Z. Ministry of Works and Development code of practice for the design of public buildings (PW 81/10/1).