AbstractDamages resulting from the Tokachi‐Oki earthquake of 1968 demonstrated that many code‐designed reinforced concrete columns do not have adequate earthquake resistance. A review of Japanese research revealed that the axial force ratio, the moment arm ratio, and the type and ratio of transverse reinforcement control the resistance and ductility of concrete columns. A recent experimental study at the Kajima Institute of Construction Technology evaluated the resistance of columns with three types of transverse reinforcement and three reinforcement ratios subjected to repeated alternating loads. Tied and spiral columns proved to be superior to hooped colu