Structural Behavior of Hollow Reinforced Concrete Columns under Monotonic Eccentric Loading

Abstract

This study experimentally and analytically investigated the structural performance of hollow reinforced concrete columns (HRCCs) subjected to eccentric compressive loading ( e / h = 0.5 ). Three specimens with equal concrete cross-sectional areas and slenderness, differing only in geometry and void ratio, were tested. The results showed that the hollow columns outperformed the solid specimen, achieving up to 35% higher ultimate load and 49% greater energy absorption. Although the crack widths increased in the hollow sections, they remained within the American Concrete Institute’s durability limits, and the cracking behaviors were comparable. Analytical predictions showed good agreement with the experimental results, and the normalized moment interaction diagrams clearly demonstrated that the hollow sections outperformed the solid sections in axial–moment capacity across all eccentricity ratios ( e / h ). These findings highlight the geometric efficiency of HRCCs under combined axial and bending effects owing to eccentric loading, offering improved strength and energy dissipation without a significant compromise in stiffness or ductility.