pre-bent columns
 

pre-bent columns
we are working on a structure that will have pre-bent concrete columns.
any suggestions on good reference material about the behavior and design of pre-bent concrete columns? thanks.
what is a "pre-bent" column referring to? i've never heard that terminology before.
do you mean the columns are formed with a curve in them?
columns with a curve in them...like if you are standing in front of one looking at it, it looks like a rib or a sail-shape...
like it's pre-deflected...
i would avoid use of terms like "pre-bent" and "pre-deflected", which are probably likely to confuse people. perhaps just call it a "curved column".
as for design of these elements, won't consideration of the p-delta effect be sufficient to calculate the secondary moments?
dbuzz,
sure, but won't the p-delta effect be contingent on the curvature?
yes, but since the columns are formed in the curved shape the initial "delta" is known.