Hysteresis behavior of rectangular reinforced concrete columns with non-seismic detailing

In Hong Kong, reinforced concrete columns can be designed without seismic provisions. Typical reinforced concrete columns in Hong Kong are subjected to high axial load ratio, have high main reinforcement ratio, but have very low volumetric transverse reinforcement ratio. Based on the data obtained from cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete columns specimens, a hysteresis model for low volumetric transverse reinforcement ratio was developed. It includes the effect of pinching and provides accurate overall prediction in comparison with test data on cyclic response of reinforced concrete columns with low volumetric transverse reinforcement ratio and high axial load ratio. The model will be refined after a series of 12 columns tests to be conducted in the Heavy Structural Laboratory of the South China University of Technology in March 2007.