Finite Element-Based Performance Analysis of Encased Composite Columns under Monotonic Axial Compression Load

Abstract

This paper presents the results of an investigation into the performance of fully encased composite columns under monotonic axial load using finite element simulation. The damage characteristics and the performance investigation of the specimen were mainly focused on the influence of the compressive strength of concrete and the size of reinforcement. The concrete material was modeled using concrete damage plasticity (CDP), which incorporates the hardening and softening behaviors, and the steel was modeled using metal plasticity. The results obtained from the current study were validated by using previously conducted experimental work and manual calculation based on Eurocode 4. According to the FEA result, damage to the concrete matrix was significantly minimized with the increase in the strength of the concrete. By keeping other parameters constant, an increase in longitudinal reinforcement diameter minimizes the equivalent plastic strain both in structural steel and reinforcement bars. Furthermore, the results showed that the numerical simulation fairly validated the analytical solution.