Performance Of Columns Research Articles

A Restoring Force Correction Model for Enveloped Steel Jacket-Confined Seismic-Damaged Rectangular Recycled Aggregate Concrete-Filled Steel Tubular Columns

In order to establish a suitable restoring force correction model for enveloped steel jacket (ESJ)-confined seismic-damaged rectangular recycled aggregate concrete-filled steel tubular (RRACFST) columns, based on experimental research, a study of the seismic performance and parameters of ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was carried out. The restoring force theory, model test, and OpenSees simulation of ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns were conducted. Firstly, a trilinear model of the skeleton curve and a suitable restoring force model for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns were established. The results were compared with the model test results, and it was found that the two results had good consistency. Secondly, the initial damage of the RRACFST column was simulated by the reducing material properties method, and a correct numerical model for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was proposed. The influence mechanism of seismic parameters of the RRACFST column was clarified. Finally, the seismic parameter combination with the best seismic performance for ESJ-confined seismic-damaged RRACFST columns was established; namely, the replacement rate of recycled coarse aggregate is 50%, the concrete strength is C40, the axial compression ratio is 0.3, the strength of the rectangular steel tube is Q345, the wall thickness of the steel tube is 4 mm, and the slenderness ratio is 7.5.

The axial compression mechanical performance of CFRP-confined fully replaced nonnatural coal gangue aggregate columns after freeze[sbnd]thaw cycles

With the continuous mining of coal worldwide, the accumulation of coal gangue, a byproduct of coal production, has increasingly posed severe environmental challenges. To mitigate the environmental pollution caused by coal gangue, this paper proposes the use of processed coal gangue as a replacement for coarse aggregates in concrete. Additionally, carbon fiber-reinforced polymers (CFRP) are employed to confine these square concrete columns, with the aim of expanding the application of nonnatural coal gangue concrete in freezethaw environments. Taking the number of CFRP layers, number of freezethaw cycles, and concrete strength grade as variables, a total of 54 samples were designed. Experimental and theoretical analyses were conducted to investigate the mechanical behavior of CFRP-confined fully replaced nonnatural coal gangue aggregate (FNCGA) columns. The specific conclusions are as follows: (1) Under a freezethaw environment, the stressstrain behavior of the CFRP-confined FNCGA columns undergoes three stages: an elastic ascending stage, a plastic descending stage, and a plastic ascending stage. (2) When the number of freezethaw cycles increases from 100 to 300, the Poisson's ratio of the elastic stage of the sample exhibiting an upward trend. (3) For the three-layer CFRP confined sample, the volumetric strain is positive (in compression), and the bearing capacity of the sample exceeds that of the unconfined concrete by approximately 10%. (4) Compared with existing models and experimental results, the bearing capacity and stressstrain model proposed in this study have greater accuracy, enabling better simulation of the mechanical performance of CFRP-confined FNCGA columns.

Experimental and model evaluation of cyclic compressive performance for RAC-filled BFRP tube composite columns

The mechanical properties of recycled aggregate concrete (RAC) can be significantly enhanced in RAC-filled fiber-reinforced-polymer (FRP) tube composite columns. However, the cyclic compressive behavior of this type of composite columns has been scarcely studied. In this study, a series of cyclic axial compressive tests were conducted on RAC-filled basalt-FRP (BFRP) tube composite columns, and the effects of confinement level (number of BFRP layers) and RA replacement ratio were investigated. The test results indicate that, compared to RAC columns, the compressive capacity and deformability of RAC-filled BFRP tube composite columns increased significantly under cyclic loading. The compressive strength and ultimate strain of BFRP-confined RAC reached 1.42-3.98 times and 2.88-21.53 times those of unconfined RAC, respectively. The compressive strength and ultimate strain under cyclic loading were generally close to those under monotonic loading, with the compressive strength ratios averaging 1.052 and the ultimate strain ratios averaging 1.031. The enhancement efficiency of BFRP confinement increased progressively with increasing confinement level and/or RA replacement ratio. The envelope curves of the cyclic stress-strain curves resembled the stress-strain curves under monotonic loading. The reloading modulus (Ere) and residual modulus (Eun,0) continuously decreased as the unloading strain (εun) increased, while the plastic strain (εpl) increased almost linearly with εun. The values of Ere, Eun,0 and εpl were affected by the confinement level and RA replacement ratio. Finally, typical theoretical models for FRP-confined concrete were used to evaluate the cyclic stress-strain curves of RAC-filled BFRP tube composite columns.

Experimental and numerical study on behavior of UHPC-filled circular stainless steel tube stub columns under eccentric compression

Ultra-high performance concrete (UHPC) filled stainless steel tube (UFSST) is a newly proposed composite structure specifically designed to withstand harsh natural environments. To study the behavior of the UFSST column, 3 axial compression and 9 eccentric compression UFSST stub columns were tested respectively. And a comprehensive parametric analysis was conducted by employing a refine finite element model validated by the test data. The results show that the thickness (t) of stainless steel tubes is a key parameter affecting the eccentric compression performance of UFSST stub column. The increase in t can significantly improve the performance of UFSST stub columns, including the ultimate bearing capacity (Nu), ultimate bending moment (Mu), and ductility (DI). Finally, a modified computational model for the bearing capacity of UFST and UFSST stub columns under eccentric compression was proposed and showed a higher prediction accuracy. For UFST and UFSST stub columns, the prediction model yielded mean values of 0.99 and 1.00 for the ratio of predicted to experimental results, with standard deviations of 0.06 and 0.08, respectively.

Cyclic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Columns Strengthened with Basalt-Fibre-Reinforced Cementitious Matrix (BFRCM)

The purpose of this experimental investigation was to confirm whether the Basalt-Fibre-Reinforced Cement Matrix (BFRCM) effectively enhances the cyclic performance of columns made of reinforced concrete (RC). The BFRCM system, which comprises basalt fabric mesh reinforced with a cementitious matrix containing polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) fibre, has significant practical implications. In the testing phase, concrete and steel reinforcement were used to create RC column specimens, which were then strengthened with three, four, and five layers of BFRCM. The horizontal cyclic and constant axial loads were applied and tested to evaluate the performance of RC columns with and without strengthening. By improving the energy dissipation by approximately 9 to 32% and increasing stiffness by roughly 24 to 44%, the column specimen with three, four, and five layers of BFRCM performed better than the control specimen. Furthermore, incorporating short fibre into the matrix effectively improved the tensile properties of the FRCM systems and decreased the shrinkage-induced cracks. The increased stiffness indicates that the column with BFRCM has better structural strength because it can sustain higher loads with less deflection. The thorough comparative analyses examined the RC column specimens’ failure modes, hysteretic responses, stiffness degradation, and energy dissipation, providing a reliable basis for the conclusions. The test results confirmed that the BFRCM effectively enhanced the seismic capabilities and has been promised a way to strengthen RC elements, providing valuable insights for civil engineering and materials science.

Moment Curvature and P-M Interaction Analysis of Steel and GFRP Reinforced Concrete Column

This research explores the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars and GFRP circular sections as longitudinal reinforcement in Reinforced Concrete (RC) columns, specifically to mitigate corrosion issues in harsh coastal environments. Twelve concrete specimens were prepared and tested under various loading conditions to evaluate the performance of GFRP as a substitute for conventional steel reinforcement. The experimental findings indicated that GFRP-RC columns displayed slightly lower axial load and bending moment capacities compared to steel-RC columns, though the ductility of both types was found to be similar. The study also highlights the significance of considering the role of GFRP bars in compression, supported by experimental results. This research offers valuable insights into the behavior and performance of both steel and GFRP-reinforced concrete columns, particularly in environments vulnerable to corrosion, with assessments conducted at 28 and 60-day intervals. A comparison of the outcomes from these timeframes reveals the effectiveness of GFRP as a reinforcement option in corrosive conditions

Investigating the Response Mechanism of Vertical Concrete Structures to Alternating Horizontal and Lateral Loads

The improper performance of columns in concrete buildings designed and built in the past years has caused concern and attention to their vulnerability to collapse. The investigation of the damages caused to the structures after various earthquakes and the research conducted during these years have caused changes in the design practices to achieve ductile behavior in the columns. Most of the efforts have been made in these years to improve the design criteria, but the effect of the axial force or the loss of the axial capacity of the columns in the existing buildings built in the past years is still unknown. Most of these columns have transverse reinforcements with large distances, which provide little lateral resistance for the longitudinal reinforcements and also little confinement for the concrete in seismic loads. Many of these columns are not accepted according to the rules of today's regulations. In these columns, not only determining the shear capacity but also the ability of the column to withstand the axial force after the shearing is of great importance. The failure of such columns is due to shear deformations that lead to shear failure and then axial failure. At first, a comprehensive review is done of the studies of other researchers. In this review, we try to collect the analytical and laboratory studies available in the technical literature. These studies are related to the testing of concrete columns until the time of gravitational collapse and the behavior models of the columns until this limit state. Then, according to the collected information and their analysis, several columns will be designed and built for laboratory study. These columns are designed to represent the condition of columns in old concrete buildings. The comparison between the analytical and laboratory results of the 6 tested column samples shows a good agreement between them. As a result, the proposed method has sufficient accuracy and efficiency to determine the effective stiffness of columns.

Adsorption Isotherm, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies for Removal of Fluoride Ions from Drinking Water Using Modified Natural Pumice

This study aimed to modify pumice using aluminum chloride as an adsorbent for defluoridation. Batch and column experiments were carried out to evaluate the effects of pH, initial fluoride concentration, contact time, dose, and temperatur. The modified pumice adsorbent showed good fluoride removal in both batch and column studies. Fluoride up-take was observed to be effective >7%, at pH 6.5-7.5, and adsorption equilibrium time was observed at 60 min. the adsorption results were modelled using kinetic and isotherm models. Experimental data indicated that fluoride adsorption follows the second pseudo-order kinetics model (R2 > 0.99) and fits well with both the Freundlich and Langmuir isotherm models, which showed favorability for the adsorption of fluoride with a maximum capacity of 0.083 mg/g. The negative values of ∆Ho and ∆Go indicate that the adsorption process was feasible, exothermic, and spontaneous. The column performance showed the best fluoride uptake efficiency, with a breakthrough capacity of 0.48 mg/g. The %R was approximately %100 using0.1M NaOH. Fluoride levels in real wells water decreased dramatically (e.g. 4.1-0.88, 7.1-1.54, and 6.2-1.46 mg/L). The results revealed that modified pumice has the potential for fluoride removal from drinking water.

Development and Validation of an optimized HPLC-UV analytical method for the quantification of 5-Methyltetrahydrofolate (Active Folate) in dietary Supplements: Application to commercial tablets and capsules

5-MTHF is the active form of folic acid, and it is provided as a dietary supplement in the market. Therefore, in this study we provide a new, simple and economic HPLC-UV analysis method to quantify 5-MTHF in dietary supplement. A new HPLC-UV method was developed and validated for the quantification of 5-methyltetrahydrofolate in dietary supplements. The method was optimized in terms of chromatographic conditions, including the mobile phase composition, chromatographic column, and the sample preparation diluent using ascorbic acid. A combination of ammonium acetate buffer with methanol (90:10) was the optimal mobile phase, achieving a retention time of approximately 11.4 min on C18 column with good column performance (N = 6786, Asymmetry = 1.03). The method was validated for selectivity, linearity, precision, accuracy, and robustness. The calibration curve was linear (r2 > 0.999) over the concentration range of 1.20 to 4.80 µg/mL. Precision was demonstrated with RSD% values ranging from 1.38 % to 2.90 % for intra-day precision and 0.96 % to 2.61 % for inter-day precision. Accuracy was confirmed with recovery values between 96.5 % and 110.6 % for spiked samples. To demonstrate the method’s applicability, ten brands of 5-MTHF dietary supplements were collected from local pharmacies. Assay results showed significant variability, with four brands having contents below the acceptable range (90–110 % of labeled contents) and two brands exceeding this range. The stability of 5-MTHF in these products appeared to be formula-dependent, emphasizing the need for regulatory revisions to mandate stability testing for dietary supplements.

Experimental study on seismic performance of glulam structural columns with anchored connections

In current timber structures, the low initial stiffness, and weak bending resistance of the connections result in significant structural deformation and failures. To improve the mechanical capabilities of timber structural joints, a novel timber-component anchorage system with robust bending resistance was introduced. Thirteen scaled-down specimens of glulam columns with anchored connections were meticulously fabricated for testing, scaled at a ratio of 1/2. Cyclic loading tests were conducted, considering three types of the volume compression percentage of confined wood perpendicular to the grain; and five axial-load levels. Subsequently, various seismic performance aspects of glulam columns with anchored connections were examined, including the failure mode, hysteresis behavior, envelope curve, strength degradation, stiffness degradation, energy dissipation capacity, and critical points. During the analysis, the influence of the P–Δ effect on the results was discussed and a damage-based hysteretic model was presented. Finally, a comparison of the mechanical performance for various types of timber structural joints was conducted. The findings revealed that the failure mode of the anchored glulam columns occurred as cracking perpendicular to the grain, and the anchored columns exhibited superior bending resistance and overall seismic performance.

Real-scale tests on bundle-bar-filled circular hollow sections (BBFC) under eccentric compression

The escalating demand for innovative, multifunctional, and advanced composite structures stems from the pressing concerns related to cost efficiency and environmental impact, alongside interest in the prefabrication methods within the construction industry. This paper advances a pioneering approach by proposing the utilization of high-strength bundle-bar-filled circular hollow sections (BBFC) as columns. In this method, a bundle comprising high-strength reinforcing bars with an impressive yield strength of 670 N/mm² is strategically placed within a steel tube, varying in related-slenderness values from 0.86 to 2.44. Subsequent to this arrangement, the bundle undergoes grouting with mortar, resulting in the formation of the BBFCs. The composition of the bundle is a critical aspect, with different configurations featuring 1, 3, 7, and 19 high-strength bars. Given the intricacies involved in the fabrication process, this paper meticulously outlines the unique techniques employed to successfully manufacture the BBFCs. To comprehensively evaluate the performance of these innovative columns, a series of ten real-scale tests were conducted. These tests look at various aspects, including capacity, flexural stiffness, deflection, and strain response. In addition to experimental validation, finite element analysis was applied, not only to corroborate the empirical findings but also to lay the foundation for future parametric studies. These subsequent investigations aim to explore and understand the influence of different geometric and material features on the structural behaviour of this innovative composite column, thereby contributing to the advancement of knowledge in the field.

3-Dimensional numerical analysis of geosynthetic double-encased annulus stone columns

A geosynthetic double-encapsulated annulus stone column technique is proposed in this study to overcome limitations associated with conventional stone columns, such as limited lateral load-bearing capacity and potential issues related to aggregate dispersion in soft soils. Geosynthetic double-encapsulated annulus stone columns are consistent with conventional stone columns besides being confined in and around the surrounding soil. The performance of geosynthetic double-encapsulated annulus stone columns is primarily dependent upon their outer-to-inner diameter ratio. For this reason, comprehensive 3-dimensional numerical studies were carried out to evaluate the optimum outer-to-inner diameter ratio of the annulus stone column. The results suggest that the ultimate load-carrying capacity of an annulus stone column increases with an increasing ratio of outer to inner diameter until an optimum value. In addition, the double encapsulation enhances confinement, improving shear stiffness and reducing lateral bulging. However, the load-carrying capacity was substantially reduced beyond the critical outer-to-inner diameter ratio. A simple analytical model extending the theory of thin cylinders is also introduced to estimate the accumulated stresses and strains in the geosynthetic encasement. The proposed model operates within a simplified framework of elastic solutions that facilitate practising engineers to design and optimize geosynthetic encasements for enhanced structural performance.

Experimental Performance Study on Axial Compressive Load-Bearing Capacity of Steel Slag Micropowder Ecotype UHPC of Short Columns Steel Pipe

In order to study the axial compression performance of steel pipe concrete short columns filled with steel slag micronized ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC), this paper designs 27 steel pipe UHPC short columns for axial compression test and compares and analyzes the axial compression performance of the specimens in terms of the damage mode, the deformation curve, and the coefficient of strength enhancement, which is aimed at investigating the differences in the actual load-bearing performance of steel pipe UHPC short columns through changes in the aspect ratio, concrete type, and steel content rate, and so on. The purpose of this paper is to compare and analyze the axial compressive performance of the specimens in terms of damage mode and strength enhancement factor in order to investigate the difference in the actual bearing capacity performance of steel pipe UHPC short columns through the changes in length-to-diameter ratio, concrete type, and steel content. The test results show that the axial compressive performance of steel slag powder steel pipe UHPC short columns is greatly affected by the L/D ratio and steel content; the specimen bearing capacity increases with the increase in the wall thickness of the steel pipe and decreases slightly with the increase in the L/D ratio, and the steel fibers can effectively improve the deformation of the concrete so as to enhance the composite effect with the steel pipe; the contribution of the core UHPC to improve the value of bearing capacity accounts for a higher percentage when UHPC with 1% steel fiber dosage and 20% coarse aggregate dosage gave the best uplift with no change in the type of steel pipe. In this paper, the axial compression test bearing capacity results of steel slag micro powder steel pipe UHPC short column are compared with the calculated bearing capacity results of domestic and international specifications and analyzed from the perspectives of perimeter compression strength, steel fiber mixing of core concrete, and the relevant parameter design suggestions for high-strength steel pipe concrete specimens are put forward.

Microbial Protein and Metabolite Profiles of Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1 in a Bubble Column Bioreactor.

The production of microbial proteins (MPs) has emerged as a critical focus in biotechnology, driven by the need for sustainable and scalable alternatives to traditional protein sources. This study investigates the efficacy of two experimental setups in producing MPs using the nitrogen-fixing bacterium Klebsiella oxytoca M5A1. K. oxytoca M5A1, known for its facultative anaerobic growth and capability to fix atmospheric nitrogen, offers a promising avenue for environmentally friendly protein production. This research compares the performance of a simple bubble column (BC) bioreactor, which promotes efficient mixing and cross-membrane gas transfer, with static fermentation, a traditional method lacking agitation and aeration. The study involved the parallel cultivation of K. oxytoca M5A1 in both systems, with key parameters such as microbial growth, glucose utilization, protein concentration, and metabolite profiles monitored over a 48 h period. The results indicate that the BC bioreactor consistently outperformed static fermentation regarding the growth rate, protein yield, and glucose utilization efficiency. The BC exhibited a significant increase in protein production, reaching 299.90 µg/mL at 48 h, compared to 219.44 µg/mL in static fermentation. The organic acid profile reveals both synthesis and utilization regimes of varying patterns. These findings highlight the advantages of the BC bioreactor for MP production, particularly its ability to maintain aerobic conditions that support higher growth and yield.

Structural Performance of a Hollow-Core Square Concrete Column Longitudinally Reinforced with GFRP Bars under Concentric Load

Structural Performance of a Hollow-Core Square Concrete Column Longitudinally Reinforced with GFRP Bars under Concentric Load

Investigating the axial compressive behavior of cruciform CFST columns: An experimental study

Concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) columns enhance seismic resistance, enabling lighter-weight structures with improved fire performance. This study investigates the axial performance of cruciform CFST columns using three half-scale experiments. The cruciform sections were internally configured as unstiffened (UnS-CFST), stiffened (S-CFST), and multicell (M-CFST). Failure mode, stress, displacement, ductility, and strength were evaluated to determine the maximum load-bearing capacity. Compared to UnS-CFST columns, S-CFST and M-CFST exhibited improved ductility and axial compressive performance. The study also looks at how the proposed method for cruciform sections compares to existing design standards for square and circular CFST columns, such as AIJ, EC4, GB 50936–2014, CECS 159:2004, ACI 318R-05, and AS3600–2001. A novel method for determining the maximum load capacity of cruciform CFST columns is proposed, achieving an accuracy of approximately 95 % compared to experimental results. This novel method facilitates the design of cruciform CFST columns.

Post-fire performance of hybrid GFRP-steel reinforced concrete columns

The fire safety requirements and knowledge on the use of Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) bars as an alternative to conventional steel in reinforced concrete structures have been progressively evolving. This study investigates the post-fire axial performance of square GFRP reinforced concrete (RC) columns, addressing a significant gap in current knowledge. Five column specimens of the same cross-section and length were tested, where the main parameters considered are the clear cover depths (40, 50, and 65 mm) and the use of a 40-mm insulation on one column. The columns were subjected to a long 3-hour fire exposure per ASTM E119 standard without sustained loading. The columns were tested upon cooling under concentric axial loading. Despite the notable temperature differences between columns with 40 and 65 mm concrete cover (300 and 500 °C after 3 hours), the post-fire residual axial capacity appeared unaffected. This is primarily attributed to the minimal differences in the retained mechanical properties of GFRP bars at temperatures exceeding 200 °C. The study's findings indicate that GFRP longitudinal bars do not significantly influence the performance of columns in fires. Consequently, future research should focus on columns reinforced with GFRP ties as well. The predicted values of post-fire axial capacity closely match the experimental data for non-insulated columns, indicating a high degree of accuracy. The study provides design recommendations to enhance the fire performance of such elements. The use of insulation results in a substantial reduction of temperature at various depths of the column. Post-fire residual capacities for non-insulated columns were approximately 30 %, whereas insulated columns demonstrated a 60 % residual capacity.

Buckling behavior of thin-walled cold-formed steel latticed column with lacings under axial compression

Extensive research has been undertaken on built-up cold-formed steel (CFS) column with I-shaped or box-shaped section. However, there has been little attention given to lattice CFS columns, particularly regarding their buckling performance and the design methods for determining buckling capacity. This paper proposes a latticed CFS column, formed by combining two G-shaped (complex edge stiffener) channels using lacings (LCCFS). Eighteen LCCFS columns were tested under axial compression, divided into two groups with web widths of 75 mm and 200 mm. The experimental results demonstrated that no distortional buckling failure occurred in the G-shaped channels of all specimens, mainly due to the constraint provided by lacings on the flanges. A general consistency in the ultimate bearing capacities and failure modes was observed among duplicate specimens. Specimens with a small slenderness ratio predominantly experienced local buckling failure, leading to a more abrupt failure. In contrast, specimens characterized by a large slenderness ratio primarily demonstrated failure due to global buckling. The specimens with larger web width-to-thickness ratios exhibited earlier and more pronounced local buckling, resulting in a reduction in axial compressive stiffness. Furthermore, FE models have been developed to analyze the effects of different parameters on the axial compressive buckling performance of LCCFS columns. The existing direct strength method exhibited notable deviations in predicting axial compressive buckling capacity of LCCFS column, which are deemed unsatisfactory. Based on direct strength method, a method was proposed for determining the axial compressive buckling capacity of LCCFS column.

Fire performance of CFRP-strengthened piloti-type columns with fire-resistant materials during standard fire exposure

This paper presents a numerical investigation into the fire endurance of carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP)-strengthened columns, shielded with fire-resistant materials, in piloti-type reinforced concrete buildings. The strengthened column, equipped with a fire protection system, underwent exposure to the ASTM E119 standard time-temperature curve for a duration of 4 h. To comprehensively evaluate the thermal and structural performance of the strengthened column at elevated temperatures and substantiate the effectiveness of the fire protection system, a fully coupled thermal-stress analysis was conducted. The numerical modeling approach employed in this study was rigorously validated through previous experimental studies in conjunction with adherence to the ACI design guideline, specifically ACI 440.2R-17. Using the validated structural fire model, the thermal and structural behaviors of the RC column with an insulated CFRP strengthening system were investigated based on four key performance criteria: glass transition temperature, ignition temperature of polymer matrix, critical temperature of reinforcing bars, and the design axial load capacity at elevated temperatures. Furthermore, a comparative assessment of fire endurance was performed using diverse fire-resistant materials, including Sprayed Fire-Resistive Material (SFRM) and Sikacrete®-213 F, with insulation thicknesses ranging from 10 to 30 mm, during the 4-hour fire exposure period.

Microchip gas chromatographic columns dedicated for space exploration: Stationary phase coating, setup optimization and evaluation of column performances

This work is the first part of a project aiming to specifically design gas chromatographic microcolumns for space exploration. In particular, this study explored the functionalization and characterization of silicon/glass microchip gas chromatographic columns designed with a serpentine-shaped channel having an internal square cross-section. This microcolumn can be connected using a robust fluidic manifold with removable capillary connections to a conventional gas chromatograph or implemented in a prototype instrument for space exploration. First, benchtop gas chromatographic system was optimized in terms of injector liner volume, internal diameter (I.D.) of the capillary connections and data frequency of detection to ensure an optimal evaluation of column efficiency. Junction capillaries of 100 μm I.D., a liner of 1.2 mm I.D. and a detection acquisition frequency of 100 Hz were found to be the optimal set-up and parameters. Moreover, the stationary phase coating velocity was slowed-down to increase column efficiency by 100 %. Then, the performances of a square cross-section capillary column were compared with those of a conventional circular cross-section column. The coating efficiencies were estimated at 55 % and 42 % for circular and square internal cross-section geometries respectively, demonstrating that the square section geometry did not affect significantly the column performances. Stationary phase films of different thicknesses, from 0.032 to 0.260 µm, were coated on different microchips of the same production batch to assess the influence of film thickness on the chromatographic performances. Microchips performance was evaluated through Golay's plots, and some of the microchips were also studied by optical microscopy. The efficiency and retention capacity of our microchip column is shown to be highly dependent on the film thickness (9,000 plates.m-1 with k = 0.12 for the thinnest film and up to almost 4,000 plates.m-1 with k = 0.93 for the thickest film). Finally, the coating process repeatability was validated by producing three identical microchips with RSD of 4.8 % for the average number of theoretical plates.