Beam-column joints in reinforced concrete buildings must resist significant forces during earthquakes to avoid damage. These joints are vulnerable because the materials have limited strength. Closely spaced steel ties around the column bars in the joint region help control cracking and crushing of concrete by holding the joint together under forces. Sufficient column size and anchoring of beam bars into the column also improve the joint's ability to resist forces by providing better grip of the concrete on the steel reinforcement. Damage to beam-column joints during past earthquakes highlights their importance in earthquake-resistant design.