Non Linear Finite Element Analysis of Confined HSC Columns Under Concentric and Eccentric Loadings

Abstract

The high compressive strength concrete is especially advantageous in compressed members such as columns, which can be made more slender and consequently, make economic benefits possible. This paper presents a nonlinear finite element analysis of eleven square high – strength plain and reinforced concrete columns confined with transverse steel under concentric and eccentric compressive loading. In this study, the columns were modeled as discrete elements using ANSYS 12.1 finite element software. Concrete was modeled with 8-node SOLID65 elements that can translate either in the x-, y-, or z- axis direction. Longitudinal and transverse steels were modeled as discrete elements using 3D-LINK 8 bar elements. The nonlinear constitutive laws of unconfined and confined reinforced concrete columns were implemented in the modeling. The results indicate that the axial stress-strain relationships obtained from the analytical model using ANSYS are in good agreement with the experimental data. This has been confirmed with the insignificant difference (1% to 10%) between the analytical and experimental results.