Experimental study on steel reinforced concrete columns subjected to combined bending–torsion cyclic loading

An experimental investigation and analysis of the mechanical behavior of steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns under combined bending–torsion cyclic loads is presented in this paper. Seven SRC columns with the same cross‐sectional construction were tested under various torsion moment to bending moment ratios and axial load levels. The effect of the torsion to bending moment ratio on the failure characteristics, hysteretic behavior, bearing capacity, and deformation characteristics of the SRC columns was studied. Results indicate that both bending and torsion bearing capacity are reduced under combined bending and torsion loads and that the torsion–bending ratio is the key parameter that determines the failure mode of the SRC columns. Based on the tests results, an equation expressing the interaction curve between the bending and torsion is proposed.