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VOL. 10, ISSUE 1 (2026)
Empirical modelling and statistical analysis of axial load capacity in square hollow concrete columns
Authors
Damini Righteous Gilbert, Timothy Omotoyosi Awanu
Abstract
This paper presents an empirical and statistical study on the axial
load capacity of square hollow concrete columns (SHCCs) with central voids,
with and without reinforcement, subjected to short-term (28 days) and mid-term
(56 days) curing. An experimental program investigated 72 SHCCs of varying
slenderness ratios (L/D = 1 to 10) and concrete mix designs. Axial compression
tests were performed to evaluate the ultimate load capacity (Pᵤ). Results
demonstrated that increased slenderness significantly reduces capacity, with a
75% reduction observed (from 456.6 kN to 116.12 kN) for reinforced
high-strength (RC-25) columns as L/D increased from 1 to 10 at 28 days.
Concrete mix grade was a dominant factor, with a 38% increase in Pᵤ (from
153.75 kN to 212.09 kN) for the RC-25 mix compared to RC-15 at a constant L/D
ratio of 5. Curing age significantly improved axial strength, with mid-term
specimens exhibiting strength gains of up to 23.8% (from 308.0 kN to 381.25 kN
for RC-25 at L/D=3). Furthermore, steel reinforcement substantially increased
capacity, with reinforced specimens achieving over 100% higher loads than plain
concrete sections of equivalent geometry. Statistical analysis via ANOVA
confirmed the high significance of these factors (F-value = 2212.60, p <
0.0001), and linear regression yielded highly reliable empirical predictive
models (Adjusted R² = 0.9894). The findings demonstrate that
empirical-statistical modeling, informed by key parameters of slenderness,
material strength, and curing, provides a robust and practical tool for
optimizing the design of SHCCs.
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Pages:1-10
How to cite this article:
Damini Righteous Gilbert, Timothy Omotoyosi Awanu "Empirical modelling and statistical analysis of axial load capacity in square hollow concrete columns". International Journal of Advanced Engineering and Technology, Vol 10, Issue 1, 2026, Pages 1-10
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