To eliminate the influence of concrete discreteness, quasi-static test of the same reinforced concrete (RC) column under different loading rates was carried out by the electro-hydraulic servo test system. The displacement-controlled loading, with loading rates of 0.2mm/s and 40mm/s, respectively, was adopted. The test results show that the mechanical properties of the specimen, such as the bearing capacity, stiffness degradation, bearing capacity degradation and cumulative energy dissipation, are directly related to the loading rate. The bearing capacity and cumulative energy dissipation of the specimens are improved under the loading rate of 40mm/s. With the increase of the loading amplitude, the influence of loading rate gradually decreases. Stiffness degradation and bearing capacity degradation of the specimens are more significant under rapid loading. With the increase of loading rate, the softening stage is shortened with more obvious damage process. Besides, the ductility of the specimen and the deformation capacity are decreased. The coupling interaction of bidirectional loading accelerates the failure process of the specimens. The cracking of the concrete, the buckling of the reinforcement bar, the spalling of the concrete and the yielding of the longitudinal reinforcement bar occur in the range of lower displacement level. With the increase of loading rate, the coupling interaction of bidirectional loading is further strengthened, and the deformation capacity of the specimen is obviously reduced. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]