Effects of Transverse Reinforcement on Strength and Ductility of High-Strength Concrete Columns

Main objective of this research is to evaluate performance of high-strength concrete (HSC) columns for ductility and strength. Eight one-third scale columns with compressive strength of 69 MPa were subjected to a constant axial load corresponding to 30 % of the column axial load capacity and a cyclic horizontal load-inducing reversed bending moment. The variables studied in this research are the volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement (${\rho}_s=1.58$, 2.25 %), tie configuration (Type H, Type C and Type D) and tie yield strength ($f_{yh}=549$ and 779 MPa). Test results show that the flexural strength of every column exceeds the calculated flexural capacity based on the equivalent concrete stress block used in the current design code. Columns with 42 % higher amounts of transverse reinforcement than that required by seismic provisions of ACI 318-02 showed ductile behaviour, showing a displacement ductility factor (${\mu}_{{\Delta}u}$) of 3.69 to 4.85, and a curvature ductility factor (${\mu}_{{\varphi}u}$) of over 10.0. With an axial load of 30 % of the axial load capacity, it is recommended that the yield strength of transverse reinforcement be held equal to or below 549 MPa.