Modeling and Calculation of Improved Centrifuged Reinforced Concrete Columns with Variotropic Structure

Abstract

The use of vibro-centrifugation technology allows the manufacture of variotropic structures that are inhomogeneous in the annular section and have different characteristics along the section thickness. Hardening of the outer layers allows the structure to better resist bending conditions, however, the behavior of the variotropic column under central and eccentric compression remains unexplored. This article considers the problem of compression of hollow columns made of homogeneous concrete that is non-uniform in the annular section (variotropic), and is reinforced with steel reinforcing bars at different values of the load application eccentricity. Variotropic concrete obtained by vibro-centrifugation technology has a stronger outer part and a less durable inner part. The strength of a homogeneous column corresponds to the strength of the middle part of variotropic concrete. The problem was solved numerically in the ANSYS environment for a vertical column rigidly clamped at the bottom edge and loaded with eccentricity at the top edge. Three types of eccentricity are considered; e/r = 0, 0.16 and 0.32 (respectively 0 mm, 0.24 mm and 48 mm). The results of the solution in the form of stress fields, deformations and a pattern of crack development in a spatial setting are obtained. The results showed that for central compression, a homogeneous column has a better bearing capacity of 3.6% than a variotropic one. With the values of eccentricity e/r = 0.16 and 0.32, the variotropic column has a higher bearing capacity (by 5.5% and 6.2%) than the homogeneous one and better resists the development of cracks. The significance of the study lies in the practical application of the proposed approach, developed on a research basis, for non-trivial and complicated operating conditions of columns. This study influences the development of reinforced concrete structures and applies scientific findings to engineering practice.