INVESTIGATION OF THE CAPACITY OF BRACED SLENDER REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS

Abstract

Chapter 3 held a comparison between experimental works and an analytical model using SAP 2000. Two methods were used for the SAP model, the frame element, and the layered shell element. The frame element showed better results than the layered shell element upon comparing against the experimental works. So, it was chosen to represent the analytical side of the results. Chapter 4 developed a large-scale parametric study. A testing matrix which had a various amount of cases, 2520 cases were considered. Various parameters were added in order to capture the p delta effect of the braced slender columns when put under eccentric loading. Graphs and tables were presented which display the behavior of these columns, and the effect of various parameters on them. The chapter 4 exhibited an overview of the behavior of slender concrete columns (P-delta effect), under eccentric axial loads. Chapter 5 compared several codes and proposed methods against the analytical results for the same testing matrix used in Chapter 4, aiming to display the malfunction in the Eurocode nominal curvature method. It was concluded that the Eurocode overestimated the capacity of the columns under the balance loads as it considered a constant axial - curvature relationship curve under the balance limit. An equation was proposed by the Author aiming to accurately predict the correct slender column behavior under the balance limit.