ANALYTICAL CALCULATION METHOD FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE COLUMNS UNDER LATERAL IMPACT

Abstract

This paper presents an analytical method for the calculation of compressed-bent reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to emergency transverse impact, characteristic of relevant anthropogenic hazards such as collisions with vehicles or other impacting objects. The proposed approach accounts for two primary failure mechanisms: flexural failure and diagonal shear failure, and enables the assessment of the ultimate horizontal load capacity, considering the dynamic strengthening of both concrete and reinforcement. The method is based on constructing ultimate capacity curves, which reflect the relationship between the maximum lateral force and the applied axial compressive force. It also introduces coefficients for the confinement of transverse deformations and parameters for the load intensity resisted by the transverse reinforcement. Particular attention is given to modeling the confinement effect on concrete, the influence of the pitch, diameter, and grade of the transverse reinforcement, and the potential for preventing progressive collapse. The proposed methodology serves as an effective tool for analyzing the robustness of buildings and structures under emergency mechanical impacts of anthropogenic origin. The developed approach can be applied in designing preventive measures to enhance column resistance against transverse impacts and contributes to the evaluation of the mechanical safety level of RC structures. This is especially important for columns with high slenderness and for elements with various types of initial or acquired damage.