Axial compressive behavior of partially encased recycled aggregate concrete stub columns after exposure to high temperatures

To investigate the compressive behavior of partially encased recycled aggregate concrete (PERAC) stub columns after exposed to elevated temperatures, 22 specimens were tested. The maximum temperature suffered, the replacement ratio of recycled coarse aggregate (RCA), the endurance time and the spacing between links were considered as the main parameters. It was found that the failure mode of post-heated PERAC columns generally matched that of traditional partially encased composite (PEC) columns, but the flange of specimens appeared premature buckling after undergoing the temperature of 400&#176;C and above. Additionally, the ultimate strength and ductility of the specimens deteriorated with the elevated temperatures and extended heating time. When 400&#176;C<&#9001;T &#8804; 600&#176;C, the strength reduction range is the largest, about 11% ~ 17%. The higher the replacement ratio of RCA, the lower the ultimate strength of specimens. At the temperature of 600&#176;C, the ultimate strength of specimens with the RCA replacement ratio of 50% and 100% is 0.94 and 0.91 times than that of specimens without RCA, respectively. But the specimen with 50% replacement ratio of RCA showed the best ductility performance. And the bearing capacity and ductility of PERAC stub columns were changed for the better due to the application of links. When the RCA replacement ratio is 100%, the ultimate strength of specimens with the link spacing of 100 mm and 50 mm increased 14% and 25% than that of the specimen without links, respectively. Based on the results above, a formula for calculating the ultimate strength of PERAC stub columns after exposure to high temperatures was proposed.