Seismic performance of RC short columns with light transverse reinforcement

Abstract

The seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) short columns with limited transverse reinforcement is investigated in this paper through an experimental program. The experimental program consists of four small-scale RC columns with an aspect ratio of 1.7, which are tested to the axial failure stage. The cracking patterns, hysteretic responses, strains in reinforcing bars, displacement decomposition and cumulative energy dissipation of the tested specimens are reported in detail in the paper. The effects of column axial load are investigated to determine how this variable might influence the performance of the short columns with limited transverse reinforcement. Brittle shear failure was observed in all tested specimens. Beneficial and detrimental effects on the shear strength and drift ratio at axial failure of the test specimens due to the column axial load are found in the experimental program, respectively.