Axial Load Behavior of Concrete Columns with Welded Wire Fabric as Transverse Reinforcement

AbstractA new reinforcement system, Welded Wire Fabric (WWF), is proposed to perform the function of transverse steel in reinforced concrete columns. WWF is made from cold-drawn steel wires arranged in two orthogonal directions and is prefabricated in a production line. WWF reinforcement eliminates some of the detailing problems inherent in traditional rebar in the reinforced concrete construction resulting in easier and faster construction, and better economy and quality control. An experimental investigation on the behavior of square concrete columns confined by WWF was carried out. The confinement provided by WWF was investigated by comparing the results from 20 short column tests. The specimens were tested under axially loading. The effects of volumetric ratio, spacing and grid configuration of WWF reinforcement as well as the distribution of longitudinal reinforcement on the behavior of columns were investigated. Based on the observation, the results indicated that the use of WWF as transverse steel has resulted in considerable enhancement both in strength and ductility