Experimental Behavior of Concrete Columns Confined by Welded Wire Fabric as Transverse Reinforcement under Axial Compression

Abstract

This study examines the behavior of normal-strength concrete short columns confined by welded wire fabric (WWF) as transverse reinforcement under monotonically increasing concentric compression. The authors investigate the effects of volumetric ratio, spacing and lateral steel configuration, and distribution of longitudinal steel around the core perimeter or longitudinal reinforcement ratio on the uniaxial behavior of reinforced concrete columns. Tests were conducted on 22 short concrete columns reinforced with longitudinal steel and WWF or conventional ties under axial compression. The performance of columns laterally reinforced with WWF was compared with that of columns laterally reinforced with conventional ties. The findings show that WWF can be effective in confining the core concrete. Ductility increases of 130% and strength increases of at least 17% were found when compared with the corresponding specimens with conventional ties. The ductility of confined concrete columns improved with an increase of longitudinal reinforcement and decrease of transverse reinforcement spacing. Welded grids reduced the congestion of reinforcement and improved concrete quality in the members.