Rectangular reinforced concrete columns subjected to simulated seismic displacements

This paper presents results from a continuing research program which aims to study confinement of concrete by lateral reinforcement. The current work deals with the experimental behavior of HSC https://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" display="inline"> f c ′ < 112 MPa ) columns having rectangular cross sections. Large size columns (250 × 350 × 1473 mm) with heavy stubs (508 × 762 × 813 mm) were tested under moderate to high axial load levels and reversed cyclic displacement excursions. Effects of several variables such as section geometry, axial load level, amount of lateral reinforcement on the behavior of these specimens are studied and the responses of the rectangular specimens are compared to those of specimens with square cross sections. It is concluded that HSC columns having square and rectangular cross sections can be designed to behave in a ductile manner, provided that a sufficient amount of confinement reinforcement is used in an efficient configuration.