Failure mechanism and bearing capacity of transfer columns in SRC-RC hybrid structures

Experiments of 16 transfer columns in SRC-RC hybrid structures and 1 RC column subjected to cyclic shear were carried out to research failure mechanism and bearing capacity of transfer columns. Seismic behaviour was studied such as displacement ductility, bearing capacity and energy dissipation. The failure process and mechanism of specimens were obtained. Failure patterns can be divided into four parts: bond failure, shear–tension failure, shear–compression failure and bending failure. Degradation of bearing capacity is observable for specimens of bond failure and shear–tension failure. Energy dissipation abilities of transfer columns are at the interval of RC columns and SRC columns. Energy dissipation ratio can reach up to .307. Four formulae were brought forward according to the failure mechanism and can be, respectively, adopted to calculate the bearing capacity of transfer columns with different failure patterns. The experiment and research can promote the application of transfer columns and development of SRC-RC hybrid structures.