Influence of Confining Reinforcement on the Axial Behaviour of Rectangular Reinforced Concrete Short Columns: A Review

Abstract

Reinforced concrete columns are compression members whose failure can threaten the stability of a structural system. Their axial behaviour is influenced by confinement through transverse reinforcement, including lateral ties, hoops, spirals, welded wire fabric, ferrocement and fibre-reinforced polymer jackets. This review examines confinement concepts and evaluates how reinforcement spacing, configuration, volumetric ratio and material type affect the strength, stiffness, ductility, energy absorption and failure characteristics of reinforced concrete columns. Earlier studies established stress–strain models for confined concrete, while subsequent investigations examined conventional steel ties and alternative confinement systems. The reviewed evidence indicates that closer transverse-reinforcement spacing restrains lateral concrete expansion, delays cover spalling and core crushing, and reduces premature buckling of longitudinal bars. Fibre-reinforced polymer wrapping, welded wire fabric, wire mesh and ferrocement also improve compressive performance, although their effectiveness depends on section geometry, confinement distribution, reinforcement detailing and loading condition. Rectangular columns remain more difficult to confine efficiently than circular columns because lateral pressure is non-uniform along their flat faces. Literature further reveals limited experimental information on rectangular short columns tested under pure axial compression in accordance with Indian design provisions. The review therefore highlights the need for research on economical tie spacing, cross-tie arrangements and code-compatible confinement detailing.