This paper presents a theoretical model for the behavior of partially confined axi-symmetric reinforced concrete members subjected to axial load. The analysis uses the theories of elasticity and plasticity to cover the full range of the concrete behavior. Analysis of the elastic range of the problem involves boundary conditions that are defined along a relatively simple geometry. However, extending the analysis into the plastic range involves difficulties that arise from the irregular geometry of the boundary between the plastic zone and the elastic zone, a boundary which is also changing as the axial load increases. The solution is derived by replacing the discrete steel ties with an equivalent tube of thickness $t_{eq}$ and by analyzing the concrete cylinder, which is uniformly confined by the equivalent tube. The equivalency criterion initiates from a theoretical analysis of the problem in its elastic range where further finite element analysis shows that this criterion is valid also for the plastic range of the cylinder material. According to the proposed model, the efficiency of the lateral reinforcement can be evaluated by the equivalent thickness $t_{eq}$. Comparison with published test results of confined reinforced concrete stress-strain curves shows good agreement between the test and the analytical results.