Size Effect in Axially Loaded Reinforced Concrete Columns
Publication: Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 130, Issue 4
Abstract
Test results from a size effect study on axially loaded reinforced concrete columns are presented. The tests specimens were geometrically similar pin-ended concrete columns of different sizes (in the ratio 1:2:4) giving slenderness ratios of 9.7, 18.0, and 34.7. The columns had square cross sections of sides 50, 100, and 200 mm, and varied in length from 0.14 m to 2.08 m. It was observed that for all slenderness ratios, the failure loads exhibited a size effect in which the nominal stress at maximum load (failure load divided by cross-sectional area) decreased as the size was increased. This contradicts the current design codes, which make no allowance for such size effect, and indicates that the failure is governed by fracture mechanics. The results are in good agreement with the size-effect law previously proposed by Bazant. The imperfections introduced by the loading arrangement were analyzed using the Southwell plot method. The test results showed that larger size columns exhibited larger imperfections.
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References
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Information
Published In
Journal of Structural Engineering
Volume 130 • Issue 4 • April 2004
Pages: 662 - 670
Copyright
Copyright © 2004 American Society of Civil Engineers.
History
Received: May 28, 2002
Accepted: May 20, 2003
Published online: Mar 15, 2004
Published in print: Apr 2004
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