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Procedia Manufacturing 44 (2020) 623–630

1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven Architectural Design (OPTARCH 2019)

1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven Architectural Design (OPTARCH 2019)

Behavior
Behavior of
of Circular
Circular Reinforced
Reinforced Concrete
Concrete Columns
Columns Confined
Confined with
with
CFRP Composites
CFRP Composites
a*
Rajai
Rajai Al-Rousan
Al-Rousana*
a
a Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan
Professor, Department of Civil Engineering, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Irbid, Jordan

Abstract
Abstract
A three-dimensional finite element models are developed to simulate the response of circular reinforced concrete columns
A three-dimensional finite element models are developed to simulate the response of circular reinforced concrete columns
confined with various configurations of CFRP composites. SOLID65, SOLID45, LINK8, and SOLID46 elements represent
confined with various configurations of CFRP composites. SOLID65, SOLID45, LINK8, and SOLID46 elements represent
concrete, steel plates, discrete reinforcing steel bars, and CFRP sheets, respectively. Based on actual characteristics for each
concrete, steel plates, discrete reinforcing steel bars, and CFRP sheets, respectively. Based on actual characteristics for each
component, nonlinear material properties are defined for each type of elements. The FEA results are made in terms of axial load-
component, nonlinear material properties are defined for each type of elements. The FEA results are made in terms of axial load-
axial displacement response, axial load-axial strain and circumferential responses, and stress-stain distribution. Increasing the
axial displacement response, axial load-axial strain and circumferential responses, and stress-stain distribution. Increasing the
number of CFRP sheet layers leads to a significant increase in the ultimate axial strength and a slight increase in the ultimate
number of CFRP sheet layers leads to a significant increase in the ultimate axial strength and a slight increase in the ultimate
displacement.
displacement.
© 2019
© 2019 The Authors.Published
2020 The by Elsevier
Elsevier B.V.
© The Authors. Published by
Authors.Published by Elsevier B.V.
B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license
license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
(http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Peer-review
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific
under responsibility scientific committee
committee ofof the
the 1st
1st International
International Conference
Conference on
on Optimization-Driven
Optimization-Driven
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven
ArchitecturalDesign
Architectural Design
Architectural Design
Keywords: Finite Element Analysis, CFRP, FEA, ANSYS, simulate, axial strain, axial stress.
Keywords: Finite Element Analysis, CFRP, FEA, ANSYS, simulate, axial strain, axial stress.

1. Introduction
1. Introduction
Strengthening, repairing and seismic retrofitting of concrete structures with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
Strengthening, repairing and seismic retrofitting of concrete structures with Carbon Fiber Reinforced Polymer
(CFRP) had become great promise strengthening techniques due to highly effectiveness, high strength, and light
(CFRP) had become great promise strengthening techniques due to highly effectiveness, high strength, and light
weight properties of CFRP. There are many engineering applications in which CFRP was bonded onto the surface of
weight properties of CFRP. There are many engineering applications in which CFRP was bonded onto the surface of
reinforced concrete elements to improve their strength and ductility [1-10]. Modeling the complex behavior of
reinforced concrete elements to improve their strength and ductility [1-10]. Modeling the complex behavior of
reinforced concrete is a difficult task in the finite element analysis of civil engineering structures. Only recently have
reinforced concrete is a difficult task in the finite element analysis of civil engineering structures. Only recently have

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +962-799887574; fax: +962-2-7201074.

* Corresponding author. Tel.: +962-799887574; fax: +962-2-7201074.
E-mail address: [email protected]
E-mail address: [email protected]

2351-9789© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

2351-9789© 2019 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven Architectural Design
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven Architectural Design

2351-9789 © 2020 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V.

This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/)
Peer-review under responsibility of the scientific committee of the 1st International Conference on Optimization-Driven Architectural Design
10.1016/j.promfg.2020.02.247
624 Rajai Al-Rousan / Procedia Manufacturing 44 (2020) 623–630
2 Rajai Al-Rousan/ Procedia Manufacturing 00 (2019) 000–000

researchers attempted to simulate the behavior of reinforced concrete strengthened with FRP composites using finite
element method. Kachlakev et al. [11] used the ANSYS finite element program to model the uncracked RC beams
strengthened with FRP composites. Comparisons between the experimental data and the results from finite element
models showed good agreement. Tedesco, et al. [12] modeled an entire FRP strengthened reinforced concrete bridge
by finite element analysis. In their study truss elements were used to model the FRP composites. P. Feng et al. [13]
studied the behavior of square concrete columns confined with FRP sheets by the testing and FEA. The behavior of
the square concrete columns confined by FRP sheets under uniaxial compression can be divided three phases. Each
phase means a stress state of columns. The stress-strain curve model will be built according to these three phases.
FEA is an effective method for analyzing the behavior of concrete elements strengthened with wrapped FRP sheets.
ANSYS with a great variety of element models can be used. In this study, the ANSYS finite element program is
used to simulate the response of the confined circular reinforced concrete columns in order to study: (1) Effect of the
number of layers in the transverse direction wrapping, (2) Validation the finite element results with the experimental
ones, and (3) Stress and strain responses as well as distributions.

2. Finite Element Analysis (FEA)

2.1. Element types

SOLID65 was used to model the concrete. The Solid is used for the 3-D modeling of solids with or without
reinforcing bars (rebar) and is defined by eight nodes having three degrees of freedom at each node with translations
in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The most important aspects of this element are the treatment of nonlinear material
properties and capable of cracking (in three orthogonal directions), crushing, plastic deformation, and creep [14]. A
LINK8 element was used to model the steel reinforcement. The 3-D spar element is a uniaxial tension-compression
element with three degrees of freedom at each node with translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions. The element
is also capable of plastic deformation [14]. An eight-node solid element, SOLID45, was used for the steel plates at
the supports and load application in the beam models. The element is defined with eight nodes having three degrees
of freedom at each node with 8 translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions [14]. Finally, SOLID46 is a layered
version of the 8-node structural solid used to model CFRP sheets. The element allows up to 250 different material
layers with different orientations, and orthotropic material properties in each layer. The element has three degrees of
freedom at each node with translations in the nodal x, y, and z directions [14]. Fig. 1 shows the elements used in the
FEA [14].

Fig. 1. Types of the elements used in the FEA [14].

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2.2. Material properties

Since concrete is a quasi-brittle material and has different behavior in compression and tension. It is a
challenging mission to develop a model for the behavior of concrete. SOLID65 element is capable of predicting the
nonlinear behavior of concrete materials using a smeared crack approach. The model is capable of predicting failure
for concrete materials. Both cracking and crushing failure modes are accounted for. The two input strength
parameters, ultimate uniaxial tensile and compressive strengths, are needed to define a failure surface for the
concrete. Consequently, a criterion for failure of the concrete due to a multiaxial stress state can be calculated
William and Warnke [15]. Poisson’s ratio for concrete is assumed to be 0.2 and is used for all columns. The value of
a shear transfer coefficient (t), representing conditions of the crack face. The value of t ranges from 0.0 to 1.0,
with 0.0 representing a smooth crack (complete loss of shear transfer) and 1.0 representing a rough crack (no loss of
shear transfer) [14]. The value of t was used in many studies of reinforced concrete structures; however, it varied
between 0.05 and 0.25 [16-18]. Therefore, a value of t of 0.2 was used in this study. The concrete properties
include concrete compressive strength of 55 MPa and initial young's modulus (Ec) =35063 MPa. In tension, the
stress-strain curve for concrete is assumed to be linearly elastic up to the ultimate tensile strength. After this point,
the concrete cracks and the strength decreases to zero. Fig. 2(a) shows the simplified uniaxial concrete stress-strain
relationship that is used in this study.

f'c
Ultimate Compressive Strength -f y

E c
Compressive
Es
Compressive

 y 
0.3f ' c
y
Strain at Ultimate Strength

  Es
 Tension
1/2
Tension 7.5(f ' c ) Ultimate Tensile Strength
+f y
 
(a) (b)
Fig. 2: Stress-Strain curve for (a) concrete and (b) steel reinforcement

The steel for the finite element models was assumed to be an elastic-perfectly plastic material and identical in
tension and compression. Poisson’s ratio and Yield stress of 0.3 and 413 MPa respectively were used for the steel
reinforcement in this study. Fig. 2(b) shows the stress-strain relationship used in this study. Steel plates were added
at support loading locations in the finite element models (as in the actual columns) to provide a more even stress
distribution over the support areas. The steel plates were assumed to be linear elastic materials with an elastic
modulus equal to 200 GPa and Poisson’s ratio of 0.3. The CFRP composite and epoxy are modeled by a layered
solid element, SOLID46. The CFRP is assumed to be an orthotropic material having 0.165 mm thick, tensile
strength of 4275 MPa, elastic modulus of 228 GPa, and ultimate tensile strain of 0.017 in/in. in the fibers direction.
While the ultimate tensile strength of the epoxy used with this system 0.835 mm thick is 55 MPa, elastic modulus of
30 GPa, and ultimate tensile strain of 0.03. In the other directions perpendicular to the fiber direction, the elastic
modulus of CFRP was assumed to be 10-6 times that of the main direction. Linear elastic properties of CFRP
composites and epoxy are assumed.

2.3. Modeling methodology

Full column was simulated to study the behavior of the control reinforced concrete column. Then by taking
advantage of symmetry of the column and loadings, a quarter of the full column was used in the analysis with proper
boundary conditions, which reduces the computing time and computer disk space requirements. To simulate pin-pin
condition at both ends, one end was modeled as pin support, while translation in the loading direction and rotation
were only allowed at the other end (point of load application). A convergence study was carried out to determine
the appropriate mesh density. Fig. 3 shows a typical finite element meshing of full and quarter of the columns.
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Perfect bonding between the steel reinforcement and concrete, the CFRP and epoxy as well as between epoxy and
concrete was assumed. The high strength of the epoxy used to attach the CFRP sheets to the experimental columns
supports the bond assumption.

(a) (b)
Fig. 3: Typical finite element meshing of: (a) Quarter of the columns, (b) Full of the columns

2.4. Nonlinear solution and failure criteria

The total load applied was divided in to a series of load increments (or) load steps. Newton –Raphson
equilibrium iterations provide convergence at the end of each load increment within tolerance limits equal to 0.001.
Load step sizes for which the maximum and minimum load step sizes are required was automated by ANSYS
program. In a concrete element, cracking occurs when the principal tensile stress in any direction lies outside the
failure surface. After cracking, the elastic modulus of the concrete element is set to zero in the direction parallel to
the principal tensile stress direction. Crushing occurs when all principal stresses are compressive and lie outside the
failure surface; subsequently, the elastic modulus is set to zero in all directions [14], and the element effectively
disappears. The finite element column model fail impulsively when the crushing capability of the concrete is turned
on. Crushing of the concrete started to develop in elements located directly under the loads. Afterward, adjacent
concrete elements crushed within several load steps as well, significantly reducing the local stiffness. Finally, the
model showed a large displacement, and the solution diverged. Therefore, in this study, the crushing capability was
turned off and cracking of the concrete controlled the failure of the finite element models. During concrete cracking
and ultimate stage in which large numbers of cracks occur the loads were applied gradually with smaller load
increments. Failure for each model was identified when the solution for 0.0045 kN load increment was not
converging.

2.5. Validation FEA

Eight circular reinforced concrete columns confined with one layer in the transverse direction, one layer in the
longitudinal direction (out) with one layer in the transverse direction, two layers in the transverse direction, one
layer in the longitudinal (in) with one layer in the transverse direction, three layers in the transverse direction, one
layer in the longitudinal (in) with two layers in the transverse direction, and four layers in the transverse direction
were simulated. All the columns were 750 mm in length, 150 mm, longitudinally reinforced with 4 #3 (D = 9.5 mm)
steel bars (ρ=1.56%) and laterally with spiral steel reinforcement, 4.75 mm in diameter, spaced at 75 mm center to
center along the entire height of the columns except at the ends. Due to the stress concentration at the ends, the
spacing of the spirals was reduced to 25 mm for a distance of 250 mm from the ends. Also, the ends were
additionally strengthened with two layers of CFRP sheets for a distance of 125 mm. The reinforcement details, cross
section, and the CFRP confinement configurations of the specimens are shown in Fig. 4. Fig. 5(a) shows the
experimental axial load versus axial displacement response for the simulated and tested columns. While Fig. 5(b)
shows the experimental axial load versus axial and circumferential strains for the simulated and tested columns. The
general behaviours of the simulated columns show good agreement with observations and data from the
experimental full-scale column tests. This provides theoretical understanding for establishing the stress-strain curve
model. It is suggested that the FEA is a powerful method for further research on numerical test and parameter
 Rajai Al-Rousan / Procedia Manufacturing 44 (2020) 623–630 627
Rajai Al-Rousan/ Procedia Manufacturing00 (2019) 000–000 5

analysis.

Fig. 4: Cross section and reinforcement details of the specimens, dimensions are in mm

(a) (b)
Fig. 5: Axial loads versus (a) axial displacements and (b) circumferential strain of the simulated and tested columns

3. Finite Element Analysis results and discussions

3.1. Loading behavior stages

The characteristics of the CFRP confined columns were evaluated based on the load-displacement behavior. The
axial load versus axial displacement curves of simulated columns were shown in Fig. 6(a). Compared with control
column, it can be seen that the load-carrying capacity and the deformation capacity of the specimens wrapped with
CFRP were improved significantly. Also the axial and circumferential strains at the critical region (at the middle of
the columns) of the simulated columns were plotted versus the axial load as shown in Fig. 6(b). The loading
behavior of the specimens wrapped with CFRP can be divided into three stages. The first stage A is from zero
applied load to 0.75Np (Np is the peak load of each wrapped column). In this stage, all curves are almost the same,
lateral expansions were very small and the fiber stresses were low about 10% of their ultimate strength. After that
the stage B started with significantly increasing in fiber strains and stresses. At this stage the steel bars and stirrups
had yielded and the stirrups reached its ultimate strain. After 0.9Np the stage C (more than 0.9Np) started with
largely column deformation in the axial direction with load rose slowly and the fiber strains rose rapidly. Finally, the
fibers rupture suddenly and the column collapsed (the solution was not converging). The axial load-axial strain
response followed a similar trend as the axial load-axial displacement for each specimen type. At failure, the
circumferential strain readings of the confined columns were greater than 16700 , which is the maximum strain
capacity of the carbon fiber at the middle of the column. These three stages represent three states of the confined
column. In the stage A the concrete has less expansion and fiber takes little constraining effect; in the stage B the
concrete began to have a large expansion and the fiber begins to be tensed; in the stage C the concrete goes into a
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flowing plastic state until the fiber breaks (the solution was not converging). The ultimate load of the control
columns was 1161 kN. For the confined circular column with one layer in the transverse direction, two layers in the
transverse direction, three layers in the transverse direction and four layers in the transverse direction the ultimate
loads were 1630, 1834, 2001, and 2175 kN, respectively, as shown in Fig. 6(a). The corresponding increase in the
ultimate axial load with respect to the control specimens was 40.6%, 58.7%, 73.1%, and 87.3%, respectively. The
axial load–displacement curves shown in Fig. 6(a) reveal that there is a significant increase in the ultimate axial load
as well as in the ultimate axial displacement when confining the circular columns with CFRP sheets. Fig. 6(a) also
shows that the increase in the ultimate loads and displacements is directly related to an increase in the number of
CFRP sheet layers on the simulated columns.

(a) (b)
Fig. 6: Axial loads versus (a) axial displacements and (b) circumferential strain of the simulated columns

Fig. 7: Strain and stress contours of control column.

3.2. Strain distributions

Distribution of CFRP sheet and concrete strains at control and confinement columns were shown in Fig. 7. The
blue color means a large value of strain and the red color means small strain. Fig. 7 shows the concrete stress and
strain distributions of control column at the axial load 1161 kN. The stress and strain contour figures show that the
average maximum stress and strain in the concrete are 55 MPa and 3278µε respectively. Fig. 8 shows the concrete
and sheet strain distributions of one layer in the transverse direction column at the axial load 1630 kN. The strain
contour figures shows that the average maximum circumferential strain in the CFRP sheet and concrete are 16890µε
and 5624µε respectively at stress 3781 MPa. Fig. 9 shows the concrete and sheet strain distributions of two layers in
the transverse direction column at the axial load 1834 kN. The strain contour figures shows that the average
maximum circumferential strain in the CFRP sheet and concrete are 16255µε and 5414µε respectively at stress 3781
MPa. Fig. 10 shows the concrete and sheet strain distributions of three layers in the transverse direction column at
the axial load 2001 kN. The strain contour figures shows that the average maximum circumferential strain in the
CFRP sheet and concrete are 16296µε and 5428µε respectively at stress 3781 MPa. Fig. 11 shows the concrete and
sheet strain distributions of four layers in the transverse direction column at the axial load 2175 kN. The strain
contour figures shows that the average maximum circumferential strain in the CFRP sheet and concrete are 17152µε
and 5713µε respectively at stress 3781 MPa.
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Fig. 8: Strain contours of column with one layer in the transverse direction.

Fig. 9: Strain contours of column with two layers in the transverse direction.

Fig. 10: Strain contours of column with three layers in the transverse direction.

Fig. 11: Strain contours of column with four layers in the transverse direction.

4. Conclusions

1) FEA is an effective method for analyzing the behavior of concrete elements strengthened with wrapped CFRP
sheets. ANSYS with a great variety of element models can be used.
630 Rajai Al-Rousan / Procedia Manufacturing 44 (2020) 623–630
8 Rajai Al-Rousan/ Procedia Manufacturing 00 (2019) 000–000

2) The axial load versus axial displacement curve is characterized by three stages. These three stages represent
three states of the confined column. In the stage A the concrete has less expansion and fiber takes little
constraining effect; in the stage B the concrete began to have a large expansion and the fiber begins to be
tensed; in the stage C the concrete goes into a flowing plastic state until the fiber breaks (the solution was not
converging).
3) Increasing the number of CFRP sheet layers leads to a significant increase in the ultimate axial strength and a
slight increase in the ultimate displacement.

Acknowledgements

The author acknowledges the technical support provided by the Jordan University of Science and Technology.

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