Influence of Differential Moisture Distribution on SRC Column Shortening

Abstract

Steel reinforced concrete (SRC) columns, which are widely employed in high-rise buildings, exhibit particular time-dependent behavior due to creep and shrinkage of the concrete, and this behavior may cause problems related to serviceability and structural stability. SRC columns also exhibit a time-dependent, cross-sectional relative humidity distribution that differs from reinforced concrete (RC) columns, due to the presence of an inner steel plate, which interferes with the moisture diffusion of concrete. This differential moisture distribution of SRC columns may reduce the drying shrinkage and the drying creep as contrasted with RC columns. Therefore, we propose that the differential moisture distribution be taken into account to accurately predict SRC column shortening.