This paper is concerned with the experimental behaviour of beam-column joints of reinforced concrete frames with low axial load when subjected to high intensity cyclic loading such as occurs during major earthquakes. An experimental program was conducted to investigate the behaviour of the external joints of two storey buildings. The parameter varied was the effect on the joint of the addition of transverse beam stubs. The amount of transverse hooping, as specified by the present design code was unchanged for units with and without transverse beams. Both units were subjected to the same program of static cyclic loading and the experimental moment-curvature characteristics are compared. The unit with transverse intersecting beams formed a plastic hinge in the main beam while the unit without intersecting beams failed within the joint region.