Enhancing Material Efficiency in Seismic-Resistant Reinforced Concrete Columns: A Sustainable Analytical Framework Using Axial-Shear-Flexure Interaction and Modified Compression Field Theory

Abstract

Reinforced concrete columns serve an important role in increasing the seismic resilience of buildings. However, modelling their nonlinear response to earthquake-induced loading presents a substantial problem. This research introduces a pioneering approach employing Axial-Shear-Flexure Interaction (ASFI) and Modified Compression Field Theory (MCFT) to anticipate the force-displacement behaviour and failure modes of reinforced concrete columns under lateral cyclic loading. The proposed analytical model undergoes validation against experimental findings from 11 column specimens subjected to increasing drift cycles until failure. Results demonstrate the model's ability to reasonably capture initial stiffness, yield displacement, and the progression of damage, exhibiting a close correlation with the experimental outcomes. Nevertheless, the study highlights certain limitations in simulating the post-yield displacement capacity, particularly for shear-critical columns, where the model tends to overestimate ductility in comparison to experimental tests. Overall, the analytical model displays promising performance and efficiency in evaluating column seismic response without necessitating extensive testing. The findings offer preliminary validation for the effectiveness of ASFI and MCFT-based techniques. The study emphasizes the need for refining material constitutive models and incorporating advanced shear and fracture mechanics to enhance accuracy. This research marks a significant stride toward the development of analytical tools capable of efficiently simulating the intricate nonlinear behaviours of columns under seismic excitations.