MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE CRITICAL BUCKLING LOAD FOR RC COLUMNS SUBJECTED TO ECCENTRIC COMPRESSION

Given the column's importance in building, solving the reinforced concrete column stability requires nonlinear analysis, which makes the resolution very tedious. To simplify the analysis of slender columns, Eurocode 2 offers two simplified methods. However, these two simplified methods lead to very different results. Thus, to have accurate results, engineers must use the general method to analyze the nonlinear behavior of RC slender columns. Given the difficulty of resolving this problem, many designers use abacuses or software. From a research point of view, numerical methods are often used to predict the buckling phenomenon, while mathematical modeling has received no attention. In this article, we establish a new model to determine the stability domain for reinforced concrete rectangular columns subjected to eccentric compression by Eurocode 2. The model presented in this paper applies to columns with rectangular cross-sections and symmetric reinforcement distribution. It is quick and easy to use and will enable engineers to verify the stability of compressed columns without the use of computers. Moreover, it can also help them economically design columns as it evaluates the critical buckling load.