Experimental and Numerical Investigation into the Compressive Strength of Steel-Reinforced Concrete Columns Utilizing Recycled Aggregates

This study analyzes the impact of recycled concrete aggregate (RCA) on the compressive performance of reinforced concrete columns through a comparative assessment of finite element modeling and experimental testing. The use of RCA not only represents sustainable construction material but also offers a resource-efficient solution that contributes to waste reduction. The research involved experimental testing on reinforced concrete columns with three different stirrup spacing configurations, alongside numerical simulations to predict failure behavior. Results from both the experiments and simulations demonstrated consistency in failure modes and highlighted the necessity of refining the numerical model to enhance its predictive accuracy. This study underscores the potential of RCA in improving the durability and load-bearing capacity of concrete elements, while contributing to green and sustainable construction practices.