Effect of seismic design details on hysteresis performance of SRC-RC transfer columns

Four types of seismic design details were tested using 11 transfer column specimens and one comparison specimen of RC under low cyclic reversed loading. Test results show that diagonal cracks control the failure pattern and damage occurs mainly in the RC section with weak shear capacity in the transfer columns. There is a large difference in the bearing capacity and ductility of the transfer columns according to the test results, which indicates that the strengthening effect of diverse structural measures is quite different. The section ratio of I-section-encased steel and the axial compression ratio also have a great influence on the bearing capacity and ductility. Although the bearing capacity of transfer columns with additional longitudinal bars and additional X bars is relatively large, they have poor deformation capacity. Setting more stirrups along the columns is the best structural measure to enhance the seismic performance. The studs on the I-section-encased steel by welding can help to complete the stress transfer between the steel and concrete, and avoid performance degradation of the two materials due to bonding failure.