Optimization of axial behaviour in reinforced concrete columns: A novel approach integrating finite element analysis and response surface methodology
摘要
In contemporary structural engineering, reinforced concrete (RC) columns are fundamental components that enhance the structural resilience and delay failure. Although vertical columns have been extensively studied, research on inclined RC columns remains limited, and their application in construction is often constrained by challenges related to structural performance, including reduced load-carrying capacity, increased displacement, and higher bending moments. This study aims to overcome these limitations by exploring innovative reinforcement methods for inclined reinforced concrete columns at 80°. Finite element modelling (FEM) utilizing Abaqus was employed to investigate five distinct configurations, namely conventional inclined columns (IC), inclined columns with triangular bracing (IC-TB), curved bracing (IC-CB), haunch (IC-H), and banding reinforcement (IC-B), and compared with vertical columns, emphasizing their efficacy in load capacity, displacement control, stress-strain behaviour, and shear stress distribution. The findings showed that the IC-B configuration exhibited the most efficient performance, with a maximum load capacity of 635 kN, and effectively reduced deformation through a uniform stress distribution. Response surface methodology (RSM) was adopted to validate the numerical findings and determine the correlations among the structural responses, including vertical displacement, stress distribution, and load capacity. The model demonstrated a high level of predictive accuracy (R2 = 0.99) and contour plots effectively represented the interactions among these parameters. This methodology provided a framework for assessing and improving the performance of inclined reinforced concrete columns.