Evaluation of Lateral Buckling Phenomenon Using R/C Prisms Detailed with an Ultra High Reinforcement Ratio

The research described in this paper investigates the influence of tensile strain on lateral buckling in
reinforced concrete seismic walls having an ultra high longitudinal reinforcement ratio. The present
work is experimental. In the framework of the present research, 5 test column specimens of scale 1:3
simulating the extreme areas of ultra highly reinforced concrete walls were used. The test columns
are of identical proportions and reinforcement content, with the only variable being the applied load
history. All specimens were reinforced with the same ultra high longitudinal reinforcement ratio
(6.03%) which was bigger than the maximum value prescribed by Codes. This was done deliberately
for experimental reasons. The degree of tensile strain which was applied was different for each
specimen and it took values equal to 0‰, 10‰, 20‰, 30‰ and 50‰. The present paper tries to
investigate the influence of the degree of tensile strain to the ultimate bearing capacity of test
specimens. Based on the results, it is apparent that the amount of tensile strain that reinforcing bars
within the extreme areas of concrete walls are subjected to directly affects the buckling phenomena
upon reversal of loading.