Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Journal of Structural and Construction Engineering

Laboratory evaluation of the shape effect of reinforced concrete columns on axial performance under an electromagnetic field

Document Type : Original Article

Authors
1 PhD Student, Department of Structural Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
2 Professor, Department of Structural Engineering, Semnan University, Semnan, Iran
10.22065/jsce.2026.558557.3867
Abstract
In this study, the effects of electromagnetic field (EMF) conditions and specimen geometry on the axial performance of reinforced concrete columns were investigated. For this purpose, two types of specimens—rectangular prisms with dimensions of 75×15×15 cm and cylindrical specimens with a height of 75 cm and a diameter of 15 cm—were subjected to axial compression tests. The experiments were conducted under three levels of magnetic field intensity (0, 0.35, and 0.7 T) and three levels of electric current intensity (0, 24, and 36 A). The objective was to quantitatively evaluate the variations in axial strength with respect to column geometry and electromagnetic parameters. The results indicated that applying a magnetic field up to 0.35 T led to an increase in axial strength for both specimen types. However, at higher magnetic field intensities (0.7 T), a significant reduction in axial strength was observed. This reduction was more pronounced in rectangular specimens, which can be attributed to the non-uniform stress distribution and strain concentration occurring at their corners. Furthermore, the application of electric current at all intensity levels resulted in a decrease in axial strength; this decrease was more evident in rectangular specimens, which exhibited more unstable behavior under the influence of the electric field.The analysis of geometric effects revealed that cylindrical specimens, due to their more uniform stress distribution and absence of sharp corners, demonstrated better resistance against both magnetic and electric fields. In contrast, rectangular specimens experienced greater performance degradation because of stress concentration and higher vulnerability in corner regions.
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Articles in Press, Accepted Manuscript
Available Online from 09 February 2026

  • Receive Date 03 December 2025
  • Accept Date 09 February 2026