Analytical Study of Force–Displacement Behavior and Ductility of Self-centering Segmental Concrete Columns

In this study the behavior of unbonded post-tensioned segmental columns (UPTSCs) was investigated and expressions were proposed to estimate their ductility and neutral axis (NA) depth at ultimate strength. An analytical method was first employed to predict the lateral force–displacement, and its accuracy was verified against experimental results of eight columns. Two stages of parametric study were then performed to investigate the effect of different parameters on the behavior of such columns, including concrete compressive strength, axial stress ratio, diameter and height of the column, axial stress level, duct size, stress ratio of the PT bars, and thickness and ultimate tensile strain of fiber reinforced polymer wraps. It was found that the column’s aspect ratio and axial stress ratio were the most influential factors contributing to the ductility, and axial stress ratio and column diameter were the main factors contributing to the NA depth of self-centering columns. While at aspect ratios of less than ten, as the axial stress ratio increased, the ductility increased; at aspect ratios higher than ten, the ductility tended to decrease when the axial stress ratio increased. Using the results of parametric study, nonlinear multivariate regression analyses were performed and new expressions were developed to predict the ductility and NA depth of UPTSCs.