Arrangement of transverse reinforcement in hollow piers subjected to lateral load

Four rectangular hollow reinforced concrete piers were constructed and tested under axial compression and lateral cyclic load. The amount and arrangement of the longitudinal reinforcement of the four piers was identical. The volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement was roughly equal for all specimens, but different configurations were provided. The specimens exhibited different failure modes. The behavior of the piers is discussed in terms of their lateral displacement capacity, cumulative dissipated energy, and peak-to-peak stiffness. Test results show that there are configurations of transverse reinforcement that result in improved overall response under lateral loads. Improvement in lateral displacement capacity and an increased ability to dissipate energy was measured when closed stirrups were located at the corners of the hollow piers while maintaining roughly the same volumetric ratio of transverse reinforcement and identical longitudinal reinforcement.