Influence of Geometric Variations on the Compressive Strength of Concrete‐Filled Steel‐Reinforced Columns: A Nonlinear FEA Approach

The compressive behavior of concrete‐filled steel (CFS)‐reinforced cement concrete (RCC) columns with square, rectangular, and circular cross sections is investigated in this study using COMSOL Multiphysics models. The simulations’ dependability is confirmed by the nonlinear 3D finite element models that were developed and verified using experimental data, displaying a maximum deviation of 5%. The study carefully examined the effects of load eccentricity, cross‐sectional shape, and RCC thickness on column performance. The findings demonstrated that circular columns outperform square and rectangular columns in terms of energy absorption and load carrying capacity. However, despite having a less uniform stiffness distribution, square and rectangular columns showed higher starting stiffness. For all column types, the ultimate load capacity and energy absorption were enhanced by increasing RCC thickness. These results provide insightful information for enhancing RCC column design, resulting in safer and more robust structural systems in civil engineering applications.