Abstract: The study on the behavior of transfer columns in a SRC-RC hybrid structure has been carried out, based on the experiment of 16 specimens under low cyclic reversed loading. Failure can be divided into shear failure, bend failure and bond failure. Failure patterns are described and analyzed. The failure mechanism of transfer columns is revealed by taking the development of stirrup strain into consideration. The equivalent shear span ratio of transfer columns is proposed based on the special configuration and arrangement of shape steel, which displays the effect of partially existence shape steel on shear capacity. The conversion formula for calculated shear span ratio and equivalent shear span ratio has been proposed. The formula for shear capacity calculation is derived and the calculated results are consistent with those of the test.