Nonlinear failure prediction of concrete composite columns by a mixed finite element formulation

This study focuses on developing a mixed frame finite element formulation of reinforced concrete and FRP composite columns in order to give more accuracy not only to predict the global behavior of the structural system but also to predict the local damage in the cross-section. A hypo-elastic constitutive law of concrete is presented under the basis of a three-dimensional stress state in order to model the compressive behavior of confined concrete wrapped with FRP jackets. To predict the nonlinear load path-dependent confinement model of FRP-confined concrete, the strength enhancement of concrete was determined by the failure surface of concrete in a tri-axial stress state, and its corresponding peak strain was computed by the strain-enhancement factor proposed in this study. The behavior of FRP jacket was modeled using the two-dimensional classical lamination theory. The flexural behavior of concrete and composite members was defined using a nonlinear fiber cross-sectional approach. The results obtained by developed mixed finite element formulation were verified with the experiments of concrete composite columns and also were compared with a displacement-based finite element formulation. It is shown that the proposed formulation gives e more accurate results in the global behavior of the column system as well as in the local damage in the column sections.

► A nonlinear mixed frame finite element formulation of reinforced concrete and FRP columns has been formulated.
► Concrete and FRP composite are formulated to be based on multiaxial constitutive laws.
► The analysis of FRP and reinforced concrete columns well predicted the global and local behavior of the column.