Title:
Design and Detailing Guidelines for Axially Loaded Ultra- High-Performance Concrete Columns
Author(s):
Milana Cimesa and Mohamed A. Moustafa
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
122
Issue:
1
Appears on pages(s):
153-168
Keywords:
axial columns; circular columns; confinement effect; lateral reinforcement ratio (ρt); reinforcement configuration; spacing-to-longitudinal reinforcing bar diameter ratio (s/db); square and rectangular columns; strength reduction factor; structural-scale
DOI:
10.14359/51742143
Date:
1/1/2025
Abstract:
With a well-thought-out packing theory for sand, fine aggregates,
cement, a water-cement ratio lower than 0.2, and steel fibers,
ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) achieves remarkable
mechanical properties. Despite UHPC’s superior mechanical
properties compared to conventional concrete, its use remains
limited, especially in structural applications, due to factors such as
high cost, lack of design standards and guidelines, and inadequate
correlation between material properties and structural behavior.
By compiling and synthesizing the behavior of 70 structural- or
full-scale axial UHPC columns, this research provides a new set
of generalized design and detailing guidelines for axial UHPC
columns. The study first uses the assembled database to assess and
revisit the current ACI 318 axial strength design factors for applicability for UHPC. Next, the behavior trends are carefully analyzed to provide detailed recommendations for proper transverse reinforcement (ρt volume), spacing-to-longitudinal reinforcing bar
diameter ratio (s/db, where s represents the centerline-to-centerline
spacing between transverse reinforcement), and UHPC steel fiber
ratio for best use of confinement.