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Article

Analysis of the compressive strength distribution in the inclined colonnade columns of a hyperbolic cooling tower

Dmytro Hladyshev
Abstract

Ensuring the reliability of reinforced concrete structural elements in hyperbolic cooling towers during long-term operation under the influence of various environmental and mechanical factors requires an objective assessment of their structural integrity. Accurate evaluation of the concrete compressive strength using non-destructive testing methods is of significant importance when performing in-situ investigations of such existing structures. Variations in concrete strength relative to the design values should be regarded as structural defects. The object of this study was the compressive strength of precast reinforced concrete columns forming the inclined colonnade of a 150 m high hyperbolic cooling tower at the Rivne Nuclear Power Plant (Ukraine). Variability in concrete strength characteristics has a considerable impact on the redistribution of internal forces among the inclined colonnade columns, however, this aspect has not yet received sufficient attention in the available literature. The aim of the study was to process and analyse the obtained non-destructive testing data on the compressive strength of concrete in the colonnade columns and to propose a method for determining the principal component of the tower’s inclination direction, taking into account the variability of concrete strength inclined column colonnade. The applied statistical approach made it possible to determine both the characteristic strength of concrete for each individual column and its integral value for the entire group of investigated columns. The obtained results revealed a significant scatter of individual compressive strength values, both across all measurement zones and within each column, although all values exceeded the design strength. A graphical method was proposed to identify the elastic component of the preferential tilt direction of the cooling tower under its self-weight. This approach considers the distribution of strength variability among the inclined colonnade columns, which is associated with their longitudinal stiffness, making it an effective tool for field investigations and structural condition assessment of such facilities. Considering the variation in concrete strength in the inclined colonnade columns due to the cumulative effect of different influencing factors enables the application of the obtained analysis results in the reconstruction and design of reinforced concrete cooling towers

Keywords

inclined column colonnade; in-situ investigation; non-destructive testing; concrete strength variability

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Received 02.04.2025, Revised 05.08.2025, Accepted 05.09.2025

Retrieved from Vol. 11, No. 3, 2025

Suggested citation

Hladyshev, D. (2025). Analysis of the compressive strength distribution in the inclined colonnade columns of a hyperbolic cooling tower. Architectural Studies, 11(3), 84-91. https://doi.org/10.56318/as/3.2025.84

https://doi.org/10.56318/as/3.2025.84

Pages 84-91

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ISSN 2411-801X e-ISSN 2786-7374  UDC 71;72
DOI: 10.56318/as