Abstract
In this study, reinforced concrete column members were tested during static and dynamic horizontal loading under low axial load ; the effect of strain rate on strength, deformation and mode of failure was investigated. The results obtained in this study could be summarized as follows : 1) The maximum strengths during dynamic loading were about 1.15 times greater than those during static loading. The ratios of maximum strengths during dynamic loading to those during static loading decreased with increasing hoop ratios ; the ratios were also different with the change in the main reinforcement ratio. 2) For flexural failure, the drift angles at yielding of main reinforcement increased, and the drift angles decreased at the maximum strength during dynamic loading. For shear failure, the drift angles of yielding of hoop during dynamic loading decreased compared to those during static loading. The drift angles of maximum strengths were almost the same during static and dynamic loading regardless of crack patterns and modes of failure. 3) During static loading the mode of failure was shear failure ; during dynamic loading the change from shear failure to the bond splitting failure was also observed.
