BEHAVIOUR OF HSC ECCENTRICALLY LOADED SHORT CIRCULAR COLUMNS WITH LATERAL TIES

Abstract

The objective of the present investigation is to experimentally establish the similarities or differences in behaviour between reinforced normal and high-strength concrete under eccentric compression with special reference to gain in strength, stress-strain curves, ductility and midheight deflection. High-strength concrete is known to be brittle when loaded to failure. Lateral confinement in the form of ties, hoops or ,spirals is commonly used to achieve required deformability. Confinement of concrete improves its compressive strength and also increases the capacity to sustain large deformations without substantial strength loss. Axially loaded columns occur rarely in practice because some bending is almost always present. However, most investigations are limited to normal strength concrete. Also the design requirements of most building codes have been developed over the years based on test results from normal strength concrete specimens. Hence, data from realistically sized HSC specimens tested under realistic conditions are needed to check the validity of these requirements and if necessary, to develop new guidelines.