Ductility design of RC columns. Part 1: consideration of axial compression ratio

ABSTRACT

To evaluate and quantify the effect of the axial compression ratio (ACR) on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns, studies of analytical relationships between the axial compression and the mechanical behaviour of RC columns were conducted, followed by a comprehensive statistical analysis with 474 sets of experimental data. Stipulated limits on the ACR and their evaluation methods in various design codes of practice in the world were analysed and compared. Based on the findings of the research, the development of new provisions on the ACR for the seismic design of RC columns is presented on a scientific basis. The limiting values of column ACR which can be stipulated in the developing design code of structures for seismic resistance in Hong Kong are recommended.

KEYWORDS:

• Column
• axial compression ratio
• ductility
• reinforced concrete
• seismic design
• statistical analysis

Additional information

Funding

The supports of the Research Grants Council of Hong Kong under [grant number 614011] and the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Turkey (TÜBITAK) under [project number 214M236] are gratefully acknowledged.

Notes on contributors

Terry Y P Yuen

Dr Terry Y P Yuen is an Assistant Professor in the Department of Civil Engineering at the Bursa Orhangazi University, Turkey. His research interests include seismic analysis and engineering of building and bridge structures, theoretical and computational mechanics of materials, reinforced concrete and masonry structures and tall building structures. Dr Yuen is the recipient of the 2014 Thomas Telford Premium from the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK, presented for the best paper on engineering and computational mechanics.

J S Kuang

Ir Prof J S Kuang, Ph.D., CEng, FICE, FIStructE, FHKIE, is a Professor of Civil Engineering at The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology. His research and teaching activities are mainly in seismic engineering, with emphasis on seismic analysis and design of concrete structures, seismic vulnerability assessment of tall buildings, and computational mechanics and simulation in structural engineering. Ir Prof Kuang’s awards include the Thomas Telford Premium and the T K Hsieh Award from the Institution of Civil Engineers in the UK, and the HKIE Best Transactions Paper Prize from The Hong Kong Institution of Engineers (HKIE).

Don Y B Ho

Ir Dr Don Y B Ho, Ph.D., MPhil, CEng, RPE, MIStructE, MHKIE, is a Structural Engineer of the Ove Arup & Partners Hong Kong Ltd. He is specialised in the design of seismic and dynamic sensitive structures for projects around the East Asia Region. His research interests include seismic design and behaviour of concrete structures, seismic vulnerability of assessment of tall buildings, and design of irregular structural systems. Ir Dr Ho has received the HKIE Transactions Prize in 2007 for his contributions.