Numerical Analysis of the Cyclic Behavior of Reinforced Concrete Columns Incorporating Rubber

A numerical analysis of rubberized reinforced concrete columns’ performance under cyclic loading is presented in this study. Three different concrete blends (M1, M2, and M3) were chosen based on the volume of fine aggregate replaced by varying percentages of crumb rubber (CR) (0%, 10%, and 15%). Under cyclic loads, three groups of rubberized reinforced concrete (RRC) columns with circular, square, and rectangular cross-sections and heights of 1.5 m and 2.0 m were analyzed using the finite element software ABAQUS. The proposed model effectively predicts the behavior of rubberized reinforced concrete columns under cyclic loading. Additionally, these columns demonstrate improved performance in lateral displacement, displacement ductility, and damping ratio, with only a slight reduction in lateral load capacity. For the circular columns with a height of 1.5 m, the displacement ductility increased by 47.8% and 89.0% when the fine aggregates were replaced with 10% and 15% CR, respectively. Similarly, for square columns of the same height, the displacement ductility increased by 18.7% and 26.7% with 10% and 15% CR, respectively. The rectangular specimens exhibited enhancements of 34.74% and 58.95%, respectively. Although the analyzed rubberized reinforced concrete columns experienced slight reductions in the lateral load capacity compared to the non-CR columns, the cyclic damage resistance was notably improved.