Optimization of reinforced concrete polygonal sections under biaxial bending with axial force

Abstract Concrete is the world’s most utilized material for production of the structural elements employed in civil construction. Due to its low tensile strength and brittle nature it is reinforced with steel bars forming the reinforced concrete (RC structure). Linear elements of reinforced concrete are commonly employed in multi-story buildings, bridges, industrial sheds, among others. In this study an optimization algorithm is presented to define the amount of steel and its location within a concrete polygonal section subjected to biaxial bending with axial force, so that the amount of steel would be the minimum needed to resist the soliciting forces. Therefore, the project variables are: location, diameter and number of steel bars to be distributed within the concrete polygonal section. The sequential linear programming method is used to determine the optimized section. In this method, the non-linear problem of determining the resistance forces of the section in relation to the project variables is approximated by a sequence of linear problems, which would have its optimal point defined for each step using the Simplex method. Formulation validation is done through results of examples found in literature, and also by means of analytical solutions of simple problems, such as rectangular sections under axial force and moment in only one axis of symmetry. The results show the efficiency of the algorithm implemented in the optimized determination of the quantity and position of the bars of a given diameter in the polygonal section of reinforced concrete under biaxial bending with axial force.