Seismic Behavior of Existing Reinforced Concrete Columns with Non-Seismic Details under Low Axial Loads

Reinforced concrete (RC) columns of old existing buildings are vulnerable to earthquakes because the hoops comprising their transverse reinforcement are widely spaced and anchored using 90° hooks. This study extensively evaluated the seismic behavior of RC columns with such non-seismic details. Experiments were conducted by applying lateral cyclic loads to five full-scale column specimens with various transverse reinforcement details subjected to low axial loads. The experimental results demonstrated that the internal transverse crosstie had a significant confinement effect in the non-seismic detailed columns with 90° hoop anchor hooks. In addition, the lateral load–drift relationships, ductilities, and energy dissipation capabilities of the columns were not significantly affected by the hoop spacing or anchor hook angle when a low axial load was applied up to a drift ratio of 3.5% before failure. The evaluation model based on ASCE/SEI 41-17 was then shown to approximate the initial stiffness, maximum strength, and post-peak strength reduction behavior of the non-seismically reinforced column. This study was based on the experimental behavior of single column members, and it needs to be extended to research on frame structures in which columns are connected to beams and slabs.