In order to investigate the effect of prestressed binding bars on axial compressive behavior of rectangular concrete-filled tubular (CFT) short columns

five rectangular CFT short columns

three with prestressed binding bars

one with ordinary binding bars

the other with no binding bars

were constructed and tested under axial compressive loads. The binding bars were made up with high-strength bolts. As used for ordinary binding bars

the high-strength bolts were welded to the steel tube before the column was loaded to axial compressive force. As used for prestressed binding bars

the high-strength bolts were first tensed by screwed screw cap down to bring force to prestress the steel tube and its core concrete

then welded to the steel tube before the column was loaded to axial compressive force. Test results indicate that the bearing capacity and ductility of rectangular CFT short columns are increased by setting binding bars. Compared to ordinary binding bars

the prestressed binding bars can decrease the longitudinal displacements corresponding to ultimate strength

but have little effect on the ultimate strength and displacement capacity after ultimate strength of the columns. The longitudinal displacements corresponding to ultimate strength of the columns decrease with the decreasing of space between binding bars. With the same section width and amount of binding bars

the bearing capacity of the columns improves with the increase of section long-broad-ratio

while displacement capacity after ultimate strength decreases with the increase of section long-broad-ratio.