Truss Modeling of Concrete Columns in Compression

Abstract

A truss-based simulation of reinforced concrete columns under compression is presented in this study. The concrete truss elements are modeled based on advanced constitutive equations that take into consideration confinement dependent hardening followed by softening. The computational advantages, as well as the challenges of this approach, are discussed. The effects of confining steel content and spacing on the failure mechanisms of concrete columns under compression are examined using a parametric analysis. This analysis verifies the well-established trends that strength and ductility increase with increasing transverse steel content and decreasing tie spacing. It is also found that improvements on strength and ductility have limits. Finally, it is found that the amount and spacing of transverse reinforcement influences the type of failure, which can be one of shear or concrete crushing.