• • The 1:4 scaled test revealed a brittle failure mode with concrete crushing at the compression side and longitudinal reinforcement yielding at 456 MPa, while the neutral axis shifted due to joint cracking; this underscores the need for ductility enhancement in seismic regions.
• • Finite element simulations matched experimental compression-bending capacity within 5% error, validating the model's reliability for parametric studies and reducing reliance on costly full-scale testing.
• • Existing design codes (GB 50010-2010, NB/T 10907-2021, GB 50135-2019) overestimate the compression-bending capacity of horizontal joints by a mean ratio of 1.7 compared to experimental results, indicating unsafe designs that could lead to premature failure.
• • The proposed calculation method predicts capacity within 10% error of experimental and finite element results, offering a reliable design tool that accounts for the unique force mechanism of horizontal joints, potentially reducing material overuse and improving tower safety.