Effect of Confinement on the Axial Load Response of Ultrahigh-Strength Concrete Columns

Abstract

AbstractTwelve ultrahigh-strength concrete (UHSC) columns confined by rectangular hoops and crossties were constructed and tested under pure axial load. Primary variables of the investigation were the amount, spacing, and configuration of transverse reinforcement, and concrete compressive strength, ranging from 50 to 200 MPa. The amount of transverse reinforcement ranged from 53 to 151% of that required by the American Concrete Institute (ACI) seismic design provisions. Four different configurations of transverse reinforcement were investigated that included hoops as well as hoops and crossties. The behavior of UHSC columns are characterized by sudden spalling of the concrete cover and extremely brittle failure unless the columns are adequately confined with transverse reinforcement. Therefore, more confinement is required in a column with higher concrete strength than in a column with lower concrete strength to achieve a reasonable postpeak response and sufficient deformability. The amount of transverse ...