Optimal Design of Axially Loaded RC Columns

The aim of this investigation is to achieve optimal design of reinforced concrete columns. Optimal design of columns gives economical results in cost saving. This optimum results provides the designers to indentify the best design for the structures. The most economic structure means that could able to withstand the structure without impairing any damages and supposed to serve as a best design of a structure. The objective function is the total cost of the column. The cost of each column includes the cost of concrete and reinforcement. The optimization process is done for different grade of concrete and diameter of rods. The optimal design is carried out using MATLAB's (The Mathworks, Inc.) software. Optimization problem is formulated which is a Nonlinear constrained minimization problem. This is solved using fmincon SQP Algorithm. Each of the designed columns was handled by fmincon SQP Algorithm solver according to its loading condition specifications. Many solved examples are developed and proved that the optimal design is economical. Also it is proved that the developed program is efficient and versatile.