An experimental study on steel caged RC columns subjected to axial force and bending moment

Among the different methods of strengthening RC columns, steel caging is one of the most extensively used, for square or rectangular cross-section columns. Few studies have been carried out on steel caging and most of these have focused on axially loaded strengthened columns, without taking the effects of bending moments into account. This paper presents the results of a series of experimental tests on full-scale specimens strengthened with steel caging including simulation of the beam column joint under combined bending and axial loads. Capitals were applied to all the specimens to connect the caging with the beam column joint either by chemical anchors or steel bars to improve the transmission of forces. In all the specimens tested it was observed that steel caging increases both the ultimate load and ductility of the strengthened columns. The specimens fitted with steel bars reach higher ductility and strength than those with chemical anchors. The laboratory results were compared with three design proposals and the degree of fit with each one was analysed. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.The authors wish to express their gratitude for the financial support received from the Spanish Ministry of Science and Innovation under Research Project BIA 2008-06268. Also to the Generalitat Valenciana for its financial support within the GVPRE/2008/153 Project. Mr. Garzon-Roca is grateful to the Generalitat Valenciana for the scholarship awarded to him to complete his doctorate studies.Garzón Roca, J.; Ruiz Pinilla, JG.; Adam Martínez, JM.; Calderón García, PA. (2011). An experimental study on steel caged RC columns subjected to axial force and bending moment. Engineering Structures. 33(2):580-590. doi:10.1016/j.engstruct.2010.11.016S58059033