Experimental analysis of reinforced high strength concrete columns under eccentric compression

Author(s)

Romel Dias Vanderlei

• Document type: Master's Dissertation
• Press: São Carlos.
• Institution: Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Escola de Engenharia de São Carlos (EESC/SBD)
• Defense date: 1999-03-29

Examining board members

José Samuel Giongo; Luiz Roberto Sobreira de Agostini; João Bento de Hanai

• Advisor: José Samuel Giongo

Abstract

This work presents a study of the behavior of high strength columns under eccentric compression, with concrete cylinder compressive strength of around 80 MPa. The columns studied had cross section area of 15 cm x 30 cm at the test region, and an effective length of 174 cm. The eccentricity of the load was 380 mm and the plan of action of the moment was parallel to the smallest side of the cross section. Six columns were tested. The main variables were the stirrup volumetric ratio and the longitudinal steel ratio. The columns were tested under the action of two independent loads, an axial load and an eccentric load, so that could be precise the positioning of the eccentric load and the control of this action. The axial load was applied on of the longitudinal axis of the columns and the eccentric load was applied with the defined eccentricity. Articulation devices and load application devices were mounted such as to approach the proposed theoretical model as much as possible. The rotations were liberated in the extremities of the columns, and the section behaved under eccentric compression. The columns with smaller stirrup volumetric ratio showed a brittle mode of failure occurring at the central cross section accompanied by the buckling of the longitudinal reinforcement. On the other hand, the columns with larger stirrup volumetric ratio presented ductile failure accompanied by crushing on the most compressed side of the column. The measured longitudinal reinforcement strain on the most compressed side of the columns at the instant of failure were between 2,3% and 3%.Theoretical models proposed in literature were used to obtain values of the maximum axial load and ultimate flexural moment and the result compared with experimental results obtained in the tests. (AU)