Analytical and numerical investigation of polyvinyl chloride (PVC) confined concrete columns under different loading conditions.

To study the performance of PVC-confined concrete columns under concentric and eccentric axial compression loads, a numerical simulation using ABAQUS software was conducted. The correctness of the model was validated with the existing test results of the stress-strain curve and failure modes of specimens. Then, the compression load was applied at 20, 30, 40, and 50 mm eccentricity. The mechanical behavior, concerning the influence of different loading conditions, the diameter of specimens, the height of specimens, and the strength of unconfined concrete were investigated. The FEM and experimental results of loads and strains had AAE of 6.46 and 11.28%, respectively. In addition, the analytical and experimental strain values had an AAE of 36.24%. The COV was 7.57 and 12.26% between experimental and FEM results for loads and strain, respectively. An analytical model was developed to predict the ultimate stress and strain of PVC-confined concrete columns, which was compared with the existing models available in the literature with AAE of 13.4 and 29.5% for loads and strain respectively. Due to small F-values between FEM, analytical, and experimental values, indicating closer to their mean values, the analytical model can be adopted in the design of these short columns. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]