The main objective was to develop a parametric model to automatically predict buckling in unbraced reinforced concrete columns. This objective was achieved through fulfilling the specific objectives which included: To identify the various types of reinforced concrete columns used on selected construction sites around Kampala; To develop a relationship between buckling in short and intermediate columns for the selected columns types under study; To develop a relationship between the column critical load and the applied load for the selected columns types. Observation method of data collection was used and preliminary analysis was done on the column types where statistical and graphical analysis were used, and it was from these analyses that conclusion was arrived at, for which column types to include in the model. The model was developed in Visio studio 2015 using C# programming language and the model was a windows form application. The model was tested with data from a selected case study and the model was able to identify column types by slenderness ratio and also the model was able to predict buckling stresses. From all the practical tests made on the model, it was found out that actually all the cases studied involved short or intermediate columns. Since no long columns were encountered practically, various column parameters were varied to obtain the scenario of long columns, this involved extrapolating column length keeping other parameters constant, i.e., these parameters for concrete design are provided for in Eurocode 2. The model developed can only handle columns of maximum height of 60 metres therefore there is need to increase the maximum value or make it custom such that a user can analyze the column basing on their prescribed maximum height. Also, there are various column shapes in use except rectangular and circular, there is a need to provide a provision for such columns. Such columns may be triangular trapezoidal or any other polygonal shape. The tool can provide FOS values but these values only apply if the columns were slender, this implies that there is need to include a provision for factor of safety for short and intermediate columns.

show more