Evaluation on the static and seismic performance of steel reinforced concrete composite columns with high strength materials

High strength steel and concrete have gained acceptance in heavily loaded structures due to the self-weight reduction and capacity enhancement. However, current design codes restrict the application of high strength materials in Steel Reinforced Concrete (SRC) composite columns. In order to give a comprehensive evaluation of the structural performance of High Strength SRC (HS-SRC) columns and form the basis of future design guidelines, this paper performs theoretical and statistical analysis of HS-SRC columns subjected to both static and seismic actions. Based on the literature scan, three databases were gathered and categorized into concentrically-compressed HS-SRC columns, eccentrically-compressed HS-SRC columns and cyclically-loaded HS-SRC columns according to the loading schemes. The failure mechanism, load-carrying capacity and ductility coefficient of HS-SRC columns were analyzed in detail, and the key issues concerned with high strength materials were highlighted and discussed. Based on the experimental and analytical results, recommendations are proposed to support the codification of future design guide and promote the application of HS-SRC columns in engineering practice.