Behavior of Rectangular Columns Constructed with SCC and Steel Fibers

Extensive research has shown that properly detailed and closely spaced transverse reinforcement in reinforced concrete columns can ensure ductile behavior during earthquakes. However, in regions of high seismicity, detailing requirements can result in heavily congested sections; the use of self-consolidating concrete (SCC) can facilitate construction in these situations. Although extensive research exists on the axial load behavior of traditional concrete columns, only limited research exists on the behavior of columns constructed with SCC. Research over the past two decades has also shown that use of steel fiber-reinforced concrete (SFRC) can improve the strength and ductility of columns by delaying cover spalling and improving core confinement. Recent research has also shown that the combined use of SCC and steel fibers can ease problems associated with the workability of traditional fiber-reinforced concrete. This paper presents the results from an experimental program that was conducted to study the axial behavior of reinforced concrete columns constructed with SCC and SFRC. Full-scale columns having rectangular cross sections were tested under pure axial compressive loading. The columns were detailed with varying amounts of transverse reinforcement in accordance with the requirements of the Canadian Standards Association. The results confirm that increasing confinement with closely spaced transverse reinforcement in rectangular SCC columns results in improvements in behavior and ductility. In addition, the results demonstrate that the use of SFRC in rectangular columns results in improvements in performance and ductility. (C) 2014 American Society of Civil Engineers.