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Advanced fibre-reinforced polymer (FRP) composites have been increasingly used over the past two decades for strengthening, upgrading and restoring degraded civil engineering infrastructure. Substantial experimental investigations have been conducted in recent years to understand the compressive behaviour of FRP-confined concrete columns. A considerable number of confinement models to predict the compressive behaviour of FRP-strengthened concrete columns have been developed from the results of these experimental investigations. The purpose of this paper is to present a comprehensive review of experimental investigations and theoretical models of circular and non-circular concrete columns confined with FRP reinforcement.

The paper reviews previous experimental test results on circular and non-circular concrete columns confined with FRP reinforcement under concentric and eccentric loading conditions and highlights the behaviour and mechanics of FRP confinement in these columns. The paper also reviews existing confinement models for concrete columns confined with FRP composites in both circular and non-circular sections.

This paper demonstrates that the performance and effectiveness of FRP confinement in concrete columns have been extensively investigated and proven effective in enhancing the structural performance and ductility of strengthened columns. The strength and ductility enhancement depend on the number of FRP layers, concrete compressive strength, corner radius for non-circular columns and intensity of load eccentricity for eccentrically loaded columns. The impact of existing theoretical models and directions for future research are also presented.

Potential researchers will gain insight into existing experimental and theoretical studies and future research directions.

The paper aims to deal with the enhancement of a simplified method for the design of concrete columns subject to fire toward applications on circular and tubular cross-sections. The original zone method, developed by Hertz as a plastic design method, has been extended by Achenbach for the use as a nonlinear method. This proposed extended zone method (EZM) is verified by checking the theoretical background and is successfully validated by the recalculation of laboratory tests.

The zone method assumes a reduction of a cross-section by a “damaged” zone. The remaining area is modeled with the constant, temperature-dependent material properties. The equations for the calculation of the damaged zone to model the loss of cross-section resistance or stiffness are derived. The proposed equations are validated by the recalculation of laboratory test and compared to the results of the advanced method (AM).

It can be shown that the EZM is suitable for the check of the fire resistance of circular concrete columns and leads to a safe and economic design. The method provides a suitable alternative to more sophisticated AM. The further extension toward tubular spun columns is discussed und is the object of the ongoing research.

Presented enhancement extends the range of applications of the EZMs toward circular and tubular cross sections, which has previously not been examined.

The shear strength of reinforced concrete (RC) columns under cyclic lateral loading is a crucial concern, particularly, in the seismic design of RC structures. Considering the costly procedure of testing methods for measuring the real value of the shear strength factor and the existence of several parameters impacting the system behavior, numerical modeling techniques have been very much appreciated by engineers and researchers. This study aims to propose a new model for estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns through a robust computational intelligence approach, namely, linear genetic programming (LGP).

LGP is a data-driven self-adaptive algorithm recently used for classification, pattern recognition and numerical modeling of engineering problems. A reliable database consisting of 64 experimental data is collected for the development of shear strength LGP models here. The obtained models are evaluated from both engineering and accuracy perspectives by means of several indicators and supplementary studies and the optimal model is presented for further purposes. Additionally, the capability of LGP is examined to be used as an alternative approach for the numerical analysis of engineering problems.

A new predictive model is proposed for the estimation of the shear strength of cyclically loaded circular RC columns using the LGP approach. To demonstrate the capability of the proposed model, the analysis results are compared to those obtained by some well-known models recommended in the existing literature. The results confirm the potential of the LGP approach for numerical analysis of engineering problems in addition to the fact that the obtained LGP model outperforms existing models in estimation and predictability.

This paper mainly represents the capability of the LGP approach as a robust alternative approach among existing analytical and numerical methods for modeling and analysis of relevant engineering approximation and estimation problems. The authors are confident that the shear strength model proposed can be used for design and pre-design aims. The authors also declare that they have no conflict of interest.

A numerical model was developed for tracing the behavior of circular reinforced concrete (RC) columns over the entire range of loading from pre-fire conditions to collapse under fire. The macroscopic finite element based model utilizes time dependant moment-curvature relations of various column segments and the analysis is carried out in three stages; namely, establishing fire temperatures, calculating the heat transfer through the structure, and then carrying out strength analysis. The model, which accounts for high temperature nonlinear material properties, is capable of predicting the fire resistance of circular RC columns under realistic fire scenarios, loading conditions, and failure criteria. The validity of the model is established by comparing predictions from the computer program with results from full-scale fire resistance tests. The validated model is applied to undertake a set of parametric studies to quantify the effect of column size, load level, load eccentricity, and concrete strength on the fire resistance of RC columns. Results generated from parametric studies are utilized to develop a simplified equation for evaluating the fire resistance of circular RC columns. Fire resistance predictions from the proposed equation are in good agreement with those obtained from fire tests and nonlinear finite element analysis.

Concrete-filled double skin tube (CFDST) columns are considered one of the most effective steel-concrete composite sections owing to the higher load carrying capacity as compared to its counterpart concrete-filled tube (CFT) columns. This paper aims to numerically investigate the performance of axially loaded, circular CFDST short columns, with the innovative strengthening technique of providing stiffeners in outer tubes. Circular steel hollow sections have been adopted for inner as well as outer tubes, while varying the length of rectangular steel stiffeners, fixed inside the outer tubes only, to check the effect of stiffeners in partially and full-length stiffened CFDST columns.

The behaviour of these CFDST columns is investigated numerically by using a verified finite element analysis (FEA) model from the ABAQUS. The behaviour of 20-unstiffened, 80-partially stiffened and 20-full-length stiffened CFDST columns is studied, while varying the strength of steel (f_yo = 250–750 MPa) and concrete (30–90 MPa).

The FEA results are verified by comparing them with the previous test results. FEA study has exhibited that, there is a 7%–25% and 39%–49% increase in peak-loads in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns, respectively, compared to unstiffened CFDST columns.

Enhanced strength has been observed in partially stiffened and full-length stiffened CFDST columns as compared to unstiffened CFDST columns. Also, a significant effect of strength of concrete has not been observed as compared to the strength of steel.

This study seeks to understand the connection of methodology by finding relevant papers and their full review using the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses” (PRISMA).

Concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns have gained popularity in construction in recent decades as they offer the benefit of constituent materials and cost-effectiveness. Artificial Neural Networks (ANNs), Support Vector Machines (SVMs), Gene Expression Programming (GEP) and Decision Trees (DTs) are some of the approaches that have been widely used in recent decades in structural engineering to construct predictive models, resulting in effective and accurate decision making. Despite the fact that there are numerous research studies on the various parameters that influence the axial compression capacity (ACC) of CFST columns, there is no systematic review of these Machine Learning methods.

The implications of a variety of structural characteristics on machine learning performance parameters are addressed and reviewed. The comparison analysis of current design codes and machine learning tools to predict the performance of CFST columns is summarized. The discussion results indicate that machine learning tools better understand complex datasets and intricate testing designs.

This study examines machine learning techniques for forecasting the axial bearing capacity of concrete-filled steel tubular (CFST) columns. This paper also highlights the drawbacks of utilizing existing techniques to build CFST columns, and the benefits of Machine Learning approaches over them. This article attempts to introduce beginners and experienced professionals to various research trajectories.

This study aims to optimize the structural design of reinforced concrete columns with variable hollow circular sections.

The columns were optimized according to the criteria of instability (buckling) and mechanical strength (compression and/or tensile strength). To perform the optimizations, routines are developed in Python using the penalty and sequential linearization programming (SLP) function methods to optimize the elements satisfying the buckling and stress criteria.

At the end of the optimization process, the optimal section is obtained for the example of a circular column with a variable section, this section has an average radius of 5% smaller than that initially defined.

The theoretical basis for column optimization and the structuring of an algorithm in Python language for the computational resolution of these problems are presented in a didactic way, as well as the comparative efficiency of the methods.

The purpose of this paper is to establish the horizontal displacement angle limit values under different performance level, use damage as the quantitative index of performance level and determine the design principle of the RACFST column for performance-based seismic fortification target based on the damage.

The paper is based on the seismic performance test of the RACFST column.

First, three-level seismic are introduced into the performance design foundation of the RACFST column. Second, the performance level of the RACFST column is divided into five grades: normal use, temporary use, use after repair, life safety and prevention of collapse. Third, the seismic performance targets of RACFST columns are divided into four categories: unacceptable situation, basic performance target, important performance target and special performance target.

The initial damage of the recycled aggregate occurs in the process of crushing and screening, and the damage evolution and development of the RACFST column occur under cyclic load. This is one of the problems that should not be avoided in the design of the seismic performance of the RACFST column. New levels are introduced in the performance design foundation of the RACFST column.

This study aims to investigate the effects of using circular spirals as the longitudinal reinforcing bars on the performance of the concrete beams subjected to four-point bending load.

The effects of using circular spirals as the longitudinal reinforcing bars on the performance of the concrete beams subjected to four-point bending load are investigated in this study. Employing circular spirals as the main longitudinal reinforcement is a novel idea presented in this paper. In this regard, a finite element model of the beam with spiral longitudinal reinforcement was developed. After model verification, several configurations of concrete beams reinforced by longitudinal spirals were simulated under the four-point loading condition.

Obtained results showed that using the longitudinal spirals in place of the conventional longitudinal reinforcing bars can improve the bearing capacity of the concrete beam, but at the same time, increases its ductility unacceptably. In other words, the spirals reduce the initial stiffness of the beam significantly. To solve the problem, the authors decided to use the longitudinal spirals as the auxiliary bars added to the main conventional longitudinal bars in the beams. New gained results were satisfactory. By adding the longitudinal spirals to the conventional bars, not only the bearing capacity of the beam increases between 24% and 63%, but also the initial stiffness and ductility of the beam raises between 11%–29% and 3%–57%, respectively, in comparison to the corresponding beam reinforced with conventional longitudinal bars.

Employing circular spirals as the main longitudinal reinforcement is a novel idea presented in this paper.

Concrete in-filled stainless steel square tubular column combines both the benefits of concrete and steel material, providing enhanced ductility and high compressive strength to the vertical structural members. Other advantages include high stiffness, better resistance to corrosion, increased pace of construction, enhanced bearing capacity, etc. The purpose of this paper is to understand the various behavioural aspects of concrete in-filled cold-formed duplex stainless steel (CI-CFDSS) square tubular column under axial compressive loads and to assess its structural performance.

In the current paper, the performance of CI-CFDSS square tubular column is numerically investigated under uniform static loading using finite element technique. The numerical study was based on an experimental investigation, which was carried out earlier, in order to study the effects of concrete strength and shape of stainless steel tube on the strength and behaviour of CI-CFDSS square tubular column. The experimental CI-CFDSS square tubular column has a length equal to 450 mm, breadth of 150 mm, width of 150 mm, thickness of 6 mm and a constant ratio of length to overall depth equal to 3. Numerical modelling of the experimental specimen was carried out using ABAQUS software by providing appropriate material properties. Non-linear finite element analysis was performed and the load vs axial deflection curve of the numerical CI-CFDSS square tubular column obtained was validated with the results of the experiment. In order to understand the behaviour of CI-CFDSS square tubular column under axial compressive loads, a parametric study was performed by varying the grade of concrete, type of stainless steel, thickness of stainless steel tube and shape of cross section. From the results, the performance of CI-CFDSS square tubular column was comparatively studied.

When the grade of concrete was increased the deformation capacity of the CI-CFDSS square tubular column reduced but showed better load carrying capacity. The steel tube made of duplex stainless steel exhibited enhanced performance in terms of load carrying capacity and axial deformation than the other forms, i.e. austenitic and ferritic stainless steel. The most suitable cross section for the CI-CFDSS square tubular column with respect to its performance is rectangular cross section and variation of the steel tube thickness led to the change of overall dimensions of the N-CI-CFDSS-SHS1C40 square tubular column showing marginal difference in performance.

The research work presented in this manuscript is authentic and could contribute to the understanding of the behavioural aspects of CI-CFDSS square tubular column under axial compressive loads.