This paper proposed a comprehensive and simplified method for computing the ultimate flexural strength and deformation of high-strength concrete columns confined by rectilinear transverse reinforcement, conventional hoops and steel tubes.
The proposed method is based on an equivalent rectangular stress block for the compressed concrete in column section. Since the formulae for ultimate strain as well as coefficients that define the shape and magnitude of the stress block were theoretically derived from a stress-strain model for rectilinearly confined high-strength concrete, the proposed method can evaluate confinement effect of transverse hoops or square steel tubes on ulitmate capacities of the confined concrete column.
Experimental results of more than 140 concrete columns available in the literature were compared with the theoretical predictions calculated using the proposed method, very good agreement between the measured and the calculated results verified validity of the proposed method.