Simulations of column load-bearing capacity using Screening and ANOVA methods

Résumé

  In this work, we are interested in exploiting the various parametric sensitivity analysis methods for its application to a circular reinforced concrete column subjected to a centered compression force. The equilibrium equations governing the structure are prescribed by the French BAEL 91 rules as a function of input variables linked to the loads on the structure, to the mechanical properties of the materials, and variables linked to the geometry of the part under study. On the one hand, the Morris or screening method enabled us to extract the sensitivity matrix of the physical model studied. After reading and interpreting Mohr's diagram, we saw that the diameter of the column is a highly influential parameter, and that the characteristic strength of the concrete has a linear influence on the load-bearing capacity of the column. On the other hand, methods based on analysis of variance or ANOVA enabled us to carry out a more in-depth analysis and quantitative evaluation in order to study the behavior of each model input variable and rank them in order of influence on the output. By interpretation of the Fourier spectra, post diameter is the most important variable, with a spectral amplitude of 66.68 dB/Hz, i.e. a degree of influence of around 61.04% on load-bearing capacity. In conclusion, sensitivity analysis is a very formidable and reliable mathematical tool, demonstrated throughout this work. Its application is highly recommended to engineers when predimensioning reinforced concrete structures.