Studying the Effect of Lateral Loading on Reinforced Concrete Columns
Purpose: The purpose of this study is to investigate the nonlinear behaviour of reinforced concrete columns subjected to combined axial and monotonic lateral loads. Design/Methodology/Approach: The theoretical program involved developing a numerical model in ANSYS to simulate five rectangular reinforced concrete columns, each reinforced and confined with lateral reinforcement. Concrete was modelled using the eight-node brick element (SOLID65), while the longitudinal and transverse reinforcements were modelled discretely using three-dimensional LINK180 bar elements. Research Limitation: The study was limited to five rectangular reinforced-concrete columns subjected to axial and monotonic lateral loading. The investigated parameters were restricted to the longitudinal reinforcement ratio, concrete compressive strength, and spacing of lateral reinforcement. Findings: The theoretical analysis showed that the lateral load–deflection curves were reasonably compatible with the experimental results. The difference between the theoretical and experimental results ranged from approximately 0.38% to 9.8%, indicating acceptable agreement and accuracy. Practical Implication: The results confirm that the ANSYS finite element model can effectively predict the linear and nonlinear behaviour of confined reinforced concrete columns subjected to axial and lateral loads, thereby assisting engineers in structural analysis and design. Social Implication: Improving the understanding and prediction of reinforced concrete column behaviour under combined loading conditions contributes to safer and more reliable structural systems in buildings and bridges, thereby enhancing public safety. Originality / Value: The study provides a validated numerical modelling approach for confined reinforced concrete columns using ANSYS, demonstrating the capability of finite element analysis to accurately simulate experimental structural behaviour under combined axial and lateral loads.