Abstract
A novel idea of a high seismic-performance RC column which is expected to remain undamaged against strong earthquake motions is presented. A larger elastic deformation capacity can be achieved by dividing vertically a rectangular column into several column components, while friction material interfaces between the column components with horizontal confining forces provide energy dissipation capability to the column. In this study, static loading tests of a test specimen of the proposed RC column are carried out. It is shown that each column is within the elastic range up to 2% drift and the restoring force is fairly constant up to 10% drift in the plastic region. These results show the expected hysteretic behavior in the elastic range and preferable ductile behavior in the plastic deformation range.
