Numerical investigation on the behavior of eccentrically loaded lightweight reinforced concrete columns at elevated temperature

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, a numerical model is presented to simulate the behavior and failure of lightweight reinforced concrete (LWRC) columns subjected to eccentric compressive load at elevated temperature using the finite element code ABAQUS. Validation of the numerical model was ensured throughout comparison numerical results with the available published experimental tests results. The validated numerical model was implemented in conducting extensive parametric study to understand the effects of important parameters on the response of eccentrically compressed LWRC column at elevated temperature. These parameters include the effect of concrete cover, the effect of exposure time, the effect of the exposed temperature, the effect of temperature distribution around column section, the effect of temperature distribution along column length, and the effect of eccentricity ratio. The numerical results indicated that increasing the concrete cover of the column section results a considerable increasing of the ultimate load capacity. In addition, there is an increase in the ultimate load capacity when the temperature exposure time is reduced to the half of the original exposure time. Whereas, if the exposure period is increased to twice and three times the original exposure time, the ultimate load shows a slight decrease. Moreover, the ultimate load capacity of the LWRC column decreases when temperature is increased. Finally, the ultimate load capacity increased of the LWRC column when the temperature is distributed over larger distance of the column length.