Abstract
Behaviour of short columns subjected to lateral force such as seismic load or wind pressure was studied in elastic, plastic range. It was pointed out that, 1) The lateral load-side sway curve has a critical point, which means the limit of sability, and then the permissible ductility factor would be limited by this critical point. This permissible ductility factor is affected by the slenderness ratio of the column λ, and the working compressive stress of the column σ_0. 2) The load carrying capasity and the rigidity (spring constant) of a column is affected largely by λ and σ_0 of the column. The larger the λ and σ_0, the smaller the load carrying capacity and the rigidity of the column. The results of this study will contribute to establish the more appropriate restoring force characteristic of high rise building.
