Reinforced Concrete Research Articles

Effect of long-term ageing by temperatures on mechanical behavior of Fibre Reinforced Concretes

This study examines the effect of ageing by operating temperatures on the mechanical properties of Fibre Reinforced Concretes (FRCs) when exposed during long-term periods (180 days of conditioning). There is little information in the literature about long-term mechanical performance of steel (SFRC), and especially, macro synthetic fibre-reinforced concretes (MSFRCs), which may be affected due to this exposure. One type of steel fibre and three types of macro synthetic fibres were selected to reinforce an ordinary concrete in this work. An extensive experimental campaign (with a total of 260 specimens) which includes compression and flexural tests performed at temperatures, was carried out to investigate the influence of a range of temperature from -15 to 60 °C. Additionally, the interaction between cracking conditions (up to 0.5 mm) and temperature was analysed for both type of FRC beams. The compression results obtained show higher strengths at low temperatures (25-30 %) and a decrease on the strengths at higher temperatures (15-20 %), but these variations are not crucial on the ageing of FRCs. Similar effects were detected for the strength at the peak load, and to a minor extent, for the residual flexural strengths, for all the FRCs. Specimens with a pre-existing crack (cracked condition) exposed to the studied temperature had the same results as uncracked specimens. Thus, both FRCs have the potential to obtain appropriate results for structural applications when exposed to the studied temperatures.

Effect of Recycled Brick Powder on Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete under the Action of Chloride or Carbonation

Effect of Recycled Brick Powder on Corrosion of Reinforced Concrete under the Action of Chloride or Carbonation

ANALISIS METODE PELAKSANAAN COR BERTAHAP PRECAST PADA PENYELESAIAN PROYEK OVERPASS PT. TALENTA BUMI MARABAHAN STUDI KASUS PADA PROYEK OVERPASS – MARABAHAN

The precast method work is adjusted because the slab elevation is ± 7 meters high, so it takes a lot of scaffolding (material) and time. Determination of precast concrete is done by analyzing preliminary design calculations, precast loading calculations, evaluating the load to be lifted, in the form of precast self-load, for precast concrete lifting time, precast concrete reinforcement, scaffolding calculations against precast self-load. Based on the results of the study for the age of 1 day concrete for the lifting permit of K-35 tons crane more than the precast load, then the load can be carried by the crane. But in the cylinder validation test, the value is obtained on the first day, so the work can be done earlier. As for the top cast with insitu cast method using the coefficient on day 3 with a value of 0.4, the comparative value of Mu = 30.893 tons.m and Mr = 31.877 tons.m according to the cylinder validation test graph with fc' 12 MPa, the work was obtained on day 2 and because the concreting was carried out in the fastest time of 1 day, the casting could be done on day 3 where the quality of concrete compressive strength has met according to PBI'71 regulations.

Application of Polymer Sheets with Anchor Ribs in the Repair and Reconstruction of Reinforced Concrete Water Supply Storage Structures

The conducted studies have shown that no optimal and effective solution would ensure reliable operation throughout the entire service life of tank structures. The search for effective and innovative technical solutions in this area is a pressing issue. The study aims to determine an effective material for providing secondary protection of a reinforced concrete structure to increase the operational characteristics of tank structures. The conducted experimental studies have shown the possibility of using a polymer sheet with anchor ribs as protection for a reinforced concrete structure. Protection of reinforced concrete structures remains a key aspect of the design and operation of facilities exposed to aggressive media. The conducted studies have shown that there is no optimal and effective solution providing reliable operation during the whole service life of capacitive structures. Search for effective and innovative technical solutions in this area is an urgent task. The research aims to determine an effective material for secondary protection of reinforced concrete structures to increase the operational characteristics of capacitive structures. The performed experimental studies showed the possibility of using polymer sheets with anchor ribs as protection for reinforced concrete structures. The article discusses the use of polymer sheets with rail-shaped anchor ribs for protection of the inner surface of reinforced concrete engineering structures from aggressive influence.

Effect of prevalent irregular configuration of infills on the seismic collapse of Indian RC buildings

Rapid urbanization and land scarcity obligated the urban population for multi-use of Reinforced Concrete (RC) buildings to meet both residential and commercial purposes together. Un-Reinforced Masonry (URM) infills are often placed irregularly in plan and or elevation of the buildings in some floor(s), particularly in the ground floor to suit the need of occupational requirements accompanied by the inherent irregularities due to openings for doors and windows to meet functional requirements for residence. Seismic performance of infilled frame highly depends upon degree of infill-frame interaction, and it is of utmost importance to classify infilled frame buildings in various Model Building Types (MBTs) based on the type of irregular placement of infills in addition to the parameters affecting seismic performance. Based on field pilot surveys carried out in Indian cities, URM infilled buildings have been classified into 14 different MBTs. Seismic performance of the prevalent categories of MBTs have been evaluated through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). It has been observed that irregular placement of infills increases the seismic collapse risk significantly, and reduces collapse capacity to approximately 50% as compared to ideal uniformly infilled building. Global collapse occurred due to failure of structural members in the vicinity of irregularity created due to infills.

GFRP-Reinforced Concrete Columns: State-of-the-Art, Behavior, and Research Needs

This comprehensive review paper delves into the utilization of Glass Fiber-Reinforced Polymer (GFRP) composites within the realm of concrete column reinforcement, spotlighting the surge in structural engineering applications that leverage GFRP instead of traditional steel to circumvent the latter’s corrosion issues. Despite a significant corpus of research on GFRP-reinforced structural members, questions about their compression behavior persist, making it a focal area of this review. This study evaluates the properties of GFRP bars and their impact on the structural behavior of concrete columns, addressing variables such as concrete type and strength, cross-sectional geometry, slenderness ratio, and reinforcement specifics under varied loading protocols. With a dataset spanning over 250 publications from 1988 to 2024, our findings reveal a marked increase in research interest, particularly in regions like China, Canada, and the United States, highlighting GFRP’s potential as a cost-effective and durable alternative to steel. However, gaps in current knowledge, especially concerning Ultra-High-Performance Concrete (UHPC) reinforced with GFRP, underscore the necessity for targeted research. Additionally, the contribution of GFRP rebars to compressive column capacity ranges from 5% to 40%, but current design codes and standards underestimate this, necessitating new models and design provisions that accurately reflect GFRP’s compressive behavior. Moreover, this review identifies other critical areas for future exploration, including the influence of cross-sectional geometry on structural behavior, the application of GFRP in seismic resistance, and the evaluation of the size effect on column strength. Furthermore, the paper calls for advanced studies on the long-term durability of GFRP-reinforced structures under various environmental conditions, environmental and economic impacts of GFRP usage, and the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) in predicting the performance of GFRP-reinforced columns. Addressing these research gaps is crucial for developing more resilient and sustainable concrete structures, particularly in seismic zones and harsh environmental conditions, and fostering advancements in structural engineering through the adoption of innovative, efficient construction practices.

Reliability analysis and uncertainty evaluation for assessing low velocity car impacted cosmetic damage of prototyped RC bridge pier

Crashworthiness of low velocity vehicles with reinforced concrete (RC) bridge pier has become widespread scenario that warrants a continuous threat on the structural viability. Even, low velocity small car collisions creates a short duration quasi-static to dynamic effect in different damage levels from low and cosmetic to collapse, depending on energy dissipation, not generally considered in design practices, making the piers susceptible to various level of damage. Bridge piers do not always collapse upon impact, and some are kept in service without pertinent health examinations that warrant serviceability. Unfortunately, little attention has been provided to keep the post impact low to medium distressed piers in service. Medium to higher damage need a complete replacement, whereas the low to cosmetic damage needs an additional meticulous investigation. This study is an attempt to assess cosmetic damage and residual capacities of RC pier via pendulum impacts to replicate low velocity car crash scenarios. To investigate post impact performance, experimental results are captured and transformed into realistic crash scenarios. Deterministic analysis via dynamic increase factor (DIF) approach to evaluate damage index (λ) and probabilistic method via resistance reduction method (RRM) to capture the uncertainties are performed in determining residual and reduced capacity of the representative pier. To identify damage incurred from collision and identify the probability of failure (Pf), a limit state (LS) equation has been developed comprising impact load and resistance and utilized as a model to estimate reliability index (β). Both the models used are able to precisely capture reduced capacities providing a good agreement between the shear and the axial capacity which control primary resistance of the impact loads and principal serviceability respectively. This study will provide an aid to forensic structural engineers.

Migrating corrosion inhibitor based on organic amines for protecting steel reinforcement in concrete

Migrating corrosion inhibitor based on organic amines for protecting steel reinforcement in concrete

Multi-Scale Integrated Corrosion-Adjusted Seismic Fragility Framework for Critical Infrastructure Resilience

This study presents a novel framework for integrating corrosion effects into critical infrastructure seismic risk assessment, focusing on reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Unlike traditional seismic fragility curves, which often overlook time-dependent degradation such as corrosion, this methodology introduces an approach incorporating corrosion-induced degradation into seismic fragility curves. This framework combines time-dependent corrosion simulation with numerical modeling, using the finite–discrete element method (FDEM) to assess the reduction in structural capacity. These results are used to adjust the seismic fragility curves, capturing the increased vulnerability due to corrosion. A key novelty of this work is the development of a comprehensive risk assessment that merges the corrosion-adjusted fragility curves with seismic hazard data to estimate long-term seismic risk, introducing a cumulative risk ratio to quantify the total risk over the structure’s lifecycle. This framework is demonstrated through a case study of a one-story RC moment frame building, evaluating its seismic risk under various corrosion scenarios and locations. The simulation results showed a good fit, with a 3% to 14% difference between the case study and simulations up to 75 years. This fitness highlights the model’s accuracy in predicting structural degradation due to corrosion. Furthermore, the findings reveal a significant increase in seismic risk, particularly in moderate and intensive corrosion environments, by 59% and 100%, respectively. These insights emphasize the critical importance of incorporating corrosion effects into seismic risk assessments, offering a more accurate and effective strategy to enhance infrastructure resilience throughout its lifecycle.

On the Dynamics of a Novel Liquid-Coupled Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer Designed to Have a Reduced Resonant Frequency and Enhanced Ultrasonic Reception Capabilities.

This paper introduces a novel design for a liquid-deployed Piezoelectric Micromachined Ultrasonic Transducer (PMUT). This design was specifically developed to resonate at a lower ultrasonic frequency than a PMUT with a circular, fully clamped diaphragm with the same diameter. Furthermore, the novel design was also optimised to enhance its ultrasonic radiation reception capabilities. These parametric enhancements were necessary to develop a PMUT device that could form part of an eventual microscale sensory device used for the Structural Health Monitoring (SHM) of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Through these two enhancements, an eventual microscale sensor can be made smaller, thus taking up a smaller die footprint and also be able to be deployed further apart from each other. Eventually, this would reduce the developed distributed sensor system's cost. The innovative design employed a configuration where the diaphragm was only pinned at particular points along its circumference. This paper presents results from Finite Element Modelling (FEM), as well as experimental work that was conducted to develop and test this novel PMUT. The experimental work presented involved both laser vibrometry and ultrasonic radiation lab work. The results show that when compared to a clamped diaphragm design, the novel device managed to achieve the required reduction in resonant frequency and presented an enhanced sensitivity to incoming ultrasonic radiation.

Nonlinear dynamic study on existing masonry-infilled concrete frames retrofitted with timber panels

This study investigates the dynamic performance of a timber-based seismic retrofit for existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, named RC-TP. The core of the proposed retrofit intervention is the replacement of the existing masonry infills with structural timber panels that are connected to the concrete elements using metal dowel-type fasteners and a timber subframe. The unreinforced frames were designed according to codes in force in the 60 s and 70 s, considering exclusively gravity loads to simulate a condition common to a large part of the built heritage across Europe. The seismic performance of single-storey single-bay frames before and after the application of the RC-TP retrofit was assessed via nonlinear simulations, for which the incremental dynamic analysis method was adopted. The results of the extensive dynamic study show the effectiveness of the RC-TP retrofit in increasing the seismic acceleration resisted by the frames and their base shear capacity and in promoting a more ductile failure mechanism. Some general considerations helpful in guiding the implementation of the retrofit system were also drawn.

Behavior of zero cement reinforced concrete slabs under monotonic and impact loads: Experimental and numerical investigations

Currently, there is a shift toward the use of low-carbon construction materials to reduce global carbon dioxide emissions. Zero-cement concrete (ZCC) synthesized from alkaline activated fly ash (FA) is a promising alternative for Portland cement in the construction industry to reduce global CO2 emissions, increase the consumption of waste materials, and save energy. A substantial amount of research on the impact load behavior of ordinary reinforced concrete (RC) structural components has been conducted. However, investigations on the behavior of zero cement concrete (ZCC) slabs under impact loads have not been reported. In this work, twenty simply supported two-way flat reinforced fly ash ZCC slabs (including two normal concrete (NC) slabs as reference samples) were tested under monotonic and impact loads. The test samples were categorized into eight groups on the basis of various parameters. Twelve RC slabs (1 NC and 11 ZCCs) were prepared for repeated impact tests, and eight slabs (1 NC and 7 ZCCs) were prepared for monotonic loading tests. Various parameters were investigated herein, including slab thickness, bar spacing, molarity concentration of alkali activators, hammer height, and hammer mass. Nonlinear finite element models were also developed and validated by using ABAQUS software for additional parametric study purposes. The results revealed that the behavior of ZCC slabs is approximately similar to that of NC slabs. The results also revealed that an increase in the ZCC slab thickness, reinforcement ratio, hammer height, and hammer mass has a noticeable effect on the dynamic response of the slab. However, increasing the molarity concentration of alkali activators has clearly a slight influence on the impact loadtime history. When the slab thickness was increased or the bar spacing was reduced, the static and impact energy absorption capacities were increased by 1.5 and 2.0 times, respectively. For impact load tests, the damage degree, penetration, and cracking pattern at failure were approximately typical for all test samples at the first hit except when the hammer mass and impact height were changed. For the samples subjected to monotonic loading, a flexural response was observed for almost all the slab samples at the first loading stage, and cracking started from the midpoint of the slab and propagated toward the slab edges; ultimately, punching shear failure was observed.

A practical multiscale analysis for nonlinear RC structures using a smart substructure replacement strategy

This paper presents a novel practical multiscale analysis (MSA) method for simulating local damages in large reinforced concrete (RC) structures during seismic events. Traditional techniques like the finite element (FE) method often struggle to balance computational costs with detailed simulation. The proposed method facilitates sequential local refinement from macroscopic to mesoscopic scales of RC structures, focusing strategically on critical areas prone to damage and cracking. Key features include: (1) 'Correction forces' enable integration and collaboration among models of different refinement levels, keeping models unchanged (i.e., without additions, deletions, or further refinement of elements), streamlining analysis and independent implementation across methods, scales, and platforms. (2) A smart replacement strategy ensures smooth transitions and prevents abrupt force changes between models at different refinement levels. (3) A ‘training process’ before performing the replacement and a semi-explicit method guarantee the accuracy and efficiency of the MSA method. (4) Parallel and distributed computing is seamlessly applied, significantly accelerating the analysis at each level. Implemented in the open-source software OpenSees, this method is illustrated through three examples that efficiently capture both the macroscopic mechanical responses and detailed local damage behaviors. This approach provides a valuable tool for the refined analysis of large-scale RC structures.

Durability Properties of Steel Textiles and Bonding Properties at the Interface of Steel Textiles with Reinforced Mortar-Reinforced Concrete Systems.

Aging and deterioration of building structures have been persistent concerns in the field of engineering. To address these challenges while supporting modern green and sustainable development goals, this study introduces an innovative reinforcement system that employs steel textiles as the primary reinforcing material. The steel textiles were engineered by optimizing the compatibility between steel fibers and a hot melt adhesive (HMA). These textiles were then used to reinforce concrete structures, creating a steel textile-reinforced mortar (STRM)-reinforced concrete system. The study also examined the durability of the steel textiles and the interfacial bonding performance within the STRM-reinforced concrete system. The results showed that the compatibility between steel fibers and ethylene vinyl acetate copolymer (HMA-2) is better, and the steel textiles prepared with it have superior hydrothermal and corrosion resistance. After the system had been maintained for 28 days, the overall flexural strength of the STRM-reinforced concrete system was increased by 100.03%, the interfacial shear load by 49.54%, the interfacial shear stiffness by 61.2%, and the positive tensile bond performance by 26.1%. This proves that STRM has a good reinforcement effect on the concrete reinforcement system.

Prediction of dynamic shear and maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete beams subjected to impact loading

This paper presents a novel approach for predicting the dynamic shear forces and the maximum displacement of clamped reinforced concrete (RC) beams subjected to impact loading. By integrating wave propagation effects, membrane actions and the time-dependent acceleration distribution into the analysis, the study presents an improved approach based on single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) analysis and overcomes the limitations of conventional SDOF method. The proposed model is validated against experimental data and finite-element simulations, demonstrating its reliability and accuracy in predicting dynamic response. Based on the validated model, a series of design charts are generated facilitating quick predictions of the maximum shear force at support and the maximum displacement of RC beams under impact, offering practical tools for engineers to enhance the safety and resilience of RC beams against impact loading.

The Structural Behavior of Lightweight Self-Compacting Concrete Slabs Using Different Types of Reinforcement

The purpose of this study is to examine how the type of reinforcement used in self-compacting concrete (SCC) and lightweight self-compacting concrete (LWSCC) affects their structural behavior. There were three forms of reinforcement used: wire mesh, glass fiber-reinforced rebars, and regular steel rebars. To evaluate the mechanical characteristics of reinforced concrete slabs with various types of reinforcement, extensive experiments were carried out. The tensile strength, stiffness, and crack resistance of the concrete were studied in each case. The finite element program Abaqus was utilized in addition to the experimental investigations to create the numerical simulation of the test. The experimental results revealed that the reinforcement type significantly affects the structural behavior of SCC and LWSCC slabs. Conventional steel rebars provided high tensile strength and excellent crack resistance, while glass fiber-reinforced rebars contributed to enhanced flexibility and reduced overall weight of the concrete. On the other hand, the wire mesh exhibited average mechanical and structural properties. These findings emphasize the importance of selecting the appropriate reinforcement type based on specific applications and desired performance requirements. This research provides valuable guidance for architects and civil engineers in choosing optimal reinforcement for SCC and LWSCC. Furthermore, it can contribute to the advancement of techniques and potential improvements in these materials to achieve better performance and enhance sustainability in infrastructure and building construction. From the practical results, it was found that in the case of using lightweight self-compacting concrete and self-compacting concrete, it is preferable to reinforce it with ordinary reinforcement steel, as it gives the best results in terms of maximum load capacity at failure. Although the use of steel reinforcement in self-compacting concrete also gives the best results, but from the laboratory results it is possible to improve the performance of self-compacting concrete by reinforcing it with GFRP or welded wire mesh.

Experimental study on progressive collapse behavior of frame structures triggered by impact column removal

In the research field investigating the progressive collapse of building structures, event-dependent collapse processes have gained increasing attention in analytical and numerical studies. Different events could cause varying effects on progressive collapse resistance. The alternate load path could be related to events that could also lead to variations in load actions. However, experimental studies on reinforced concrete (RC) frame structures triggering structural column removal by the low-velocity impact have not been reported. Therefore, this paper performed an initial experimental study employing impact loading as the extreme event to investigate subsequent progressive collapse behavior of structures. Tests were conducted on six RC substructures consisting of a two-span beam and a structural column. Gravity loads were applied to the top of substructures, and a pendulum impact setup was utilized to remove RC columns by low-velocity impact. When the column underwent lateral failures, the downward force exerted by longitudinal steel bars of the column, before they fractured, pulled the two-span beam beyond the compressive arch action (CAA) stage, leading to a collapse process entirely different from their event-independent counterparts. The parametric study based on experimental results indicated that low-elevation impact and increase of column longitudinal bars detrimentally affected the performance of two-span beams resisting progressive collapse, while the increase in concrete strength partially improved the residual bearing capacity after impact column removal (ICR). Based on a dynamic model, a simplified calculation method is proposed for quantifying the downward force.

Seismic Retrofit Case Study of Shear-Critical RC Moment Frame T-Beams Strengthened with Full-Wrap FRP Anchored Strips in a High-Rise Building in Los Angeles

This paper discusses the iteration of a seismic retrofit solution for shear-deficient end regions of 19 reinforced concrete (RC) moment-resisting frame (MRF) T-beams located in a 12-story RC MRF building in downtown Los Angeles, California. Local strengthening with externally bonded (EB) fiber-reinforced polymer (FRP) fabric was chosen as the preferred retrofit strategy due to its cost-effectiveness and proven performance. The FRP-shear-strengthening scheme for the deficient end-hinging regions of the MRF beams was designed and evaluated through large-scale cyclic testing of three replica specimens. The specimens were constructed at 4/5 scale and cantilever T-beam configurations with lengths of 3.40 m or 3.17 m. The cross-sectional geometry was 0.98 × 0.61 m with a top slab of 1.59 m in width and 0.12 m in thickness. Applied to these specimens were three different retrofit configurations, tested sequentially, namely: (a) unanchored continuous U-wrap; (b) anchored continuous U-wrap with conventional FRP-embedded anchors at the ends; and (c) fully closed external FRP hoops made of discrete FRP U-wrap strips and FRP through-anchors that penetrate the top slab and connect both ends of the FRP strips, combined with intermediate crack-control joints. The strengthening concept with FRP hoops precluded the premature debonding and anchor pullout issues of the two more conventional retrofit solutions and, despite a more challenging and labor-intensive installation, was selected for the in-situ implementation. The proposed hooplike EB-FRP shear-strengthening scheme enabled the deficient MRF beams to overcome a 30% shear overstress at the end-yielding region and to develop high-end rotations (e.g., 0.034 rad [3.4% drift] at peak and 0.038 rad [3.8% drift]) at strength loss for a beam that, otherwise, would have prematurely failed in shear. These values are about 30% larger than the ASCE 41 prescriptive value for the Life Safety (LS) performance objective. Energy dissipation achieved with the fully closed scheme was 108% higher than that of the unanchored FRP U-wrap and 45% higher than that of the FRP U-wrap with traditional embedded anchors. The intermediate saw-cut grooves successfully attracted crack formation between the strips and away from the FRP reinforcement, which contributed to not having any discernable debonding of the strips up to 3% drift. This paper presents the experimental evaluation of the three large-scale laboratory specimens that were used as the design basis for the final retrofit solution.

Shear behavior of reinforced concrete walls under variable axial tension‐compression and cyclic lateral loads

AbstractUnder a strong earthquake, the axial force of shear walls in tall buildings may vary from compression to tension, but few studies have been conducted on this. Three low‐aspect‐ratio reinforced concrete (RC) wall specimens subjected to coupled variable axial tension‐compression and lateral load were tested in this study, to investigate the effect of the fluctuating range of axial force and loading histories on the shear behavior of RC walls. The test results indicated that shear‐compression failure occurred under the compressive‐shear loading for all test wall specimens, and no obvious post‐peak strength degradation in tension‐shear loading. The hysteretic curves of test wall specimens were strongly affected by the loading histories; the shear strength and deformation capacity were mainly affected by the fluctuation of axial forces, especially for tension‐shear strength. The equation of ACI 318‐19 and JGJ 3‐2010 conservatively predicted the shear strength of RC walls under the variable axial force, while the equation of ASCE/SEI 43‐05 accurately predicted the shear strength with the mean values of the VTest/VASCE of 0.97 and 0.94 for compression‐shear and tension‐shear strength, respectively. Comparison with an RC wall under constant axial tension revealed that the failure modes of RC walls were strongly dependent on the initial cracking patterns. Finally, a finite element (FE) model was developed, and parametric analyses were carried out to further estimate the effect of variable axial force on the cyclic shear behavior of RC walls.

Cost optimization in structural design for reinforced concrete frames using Jaya algorithm

This study analyzes and optimizes the structural design of three-dimensional (3D) reinforced concrete framestructures to minimize the amount of two main materials, including concrete and steel reinforcement, used inreinforced concrete frames. Jaya algorithm was developed based on evolutionary algorithms to build the structural optimization model. The objective function (minimum material cost) with variables being column andbeam cross-sections was set up. In which, the constraints related to the maximum internal force and displacement being in the structural members satisfy limited strength and serviceability requirements. A subroutine written in Python was used to connect the optimization process to the structural analysis software, ETABS. The 3D reinforced concrete frame of a three-story building was selected for cost and design optimization analysis. In which, the optimization problem was solved in cases of three different maximum numbers of iterations, including 20, 35, and 50. In each iteration level, a setting of five independent runs was performed. The subroutine proved to be fast, robust, and convenient manner for solving optimization problems in designing 3D reinforced concrete frames. In which, the best optimal cost might be obtained after twenty iterations and the better convergence behavior occurred at higher numbers of iterations. The study results showed that, for this reinforced concrete frame, applying optimal design led to a materials cost reduction (success rate) by 33.67% compared to that of the conventional design. This success rate would fluctuate according to different nations’ design codes.