Predictive Behaviour from Finite Element Analysis on PVC-Ducted Reinforced Concrete Column

Abstract

This research investigated the behaviour of square reinforced concrete columns with embedded PVC pipes, aiming to comprehensively analyze their performance. The study addressed the lack of significant research on the contributions and effects of embedded PVC pipes on structural performance compared to hollow columns. The objectives of the study sought to evaluate the contributions and effects of embedded PVC pipes on the structural performance of columns under loading conditions, determine how the presence of PVC pipes influenced the columns' ability to deform and dissipate energy, and identify the optimal size of PVC pipes to enhance column performance while maintaining stability and safety. Numerical analysis using ABAQUS CEA 2020 software was employed to simulate the behavior of reinforced concrete columns with embedded PVC pipes. The computational model used the same cross-sections with varying diameters of PVC pipes (50mm, 75mm and 100mm). The analysis focused on assessing load-bearing capacities, deformation characteristics, and energy dissipation patterns under axial vertical displacement loading scenario. Findings indicated that PVC-embedded columns exhibit, on average, approximately 0.5% higher load-bearing capacities than Perforated columns. With a composite average of 0.00543 for plastic strains (LE) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 0.00673 in Perforated columns, a composite average of 5.87E-03 for Equivalent Plastic Strains (PEEQ) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 7.41E-03 in Perforated columns, and a composite average of 0.0091 for Magnetic Potential Energy (PEMag) in PVC-Embedded columns compared to 0.012 in Perforated columns, collectively suggested that PVC pipes positively impact controlled deformation and energy dissipation. The observed trend is particularly evident in specific instances, with PVC-Embedded-50mm exhibiting a marginal load-bearing increase of approximately 0.2%, PVC-Embedded-75mm indicating an improvement of about 0.5%, and PVC-Embedded-100mm manifesting a load-bearing capacity increase of roughly 0.7%. Overall, these findings highlight that smaller sizes of embedded PVC pipes result in better load-bearing performance. The study recommended meticulous attention to material composition and structural design during PVC-embedded column implementation, careful selection of PVC pipe sizes based on structural requirements and project specifications, further research on dynamic loading conditions to comprehensively understand column behavior, and implementation of stringent quality control measures during manufacturing and construction processes.