A numerical study of the behaviour and failure modes of axially compressed steel columns subjected to transverse impact

Abstract

In this study a numerical simulation of the behaviour and failure modes of axially compressed steel column subjected to transverse impact by a rigid mass at different impact speeds and locations is presented. Firstly, the capability of the present numerical model to trace the response and to predict different failure modes of transversely impacted beams and columns with and without axial compressive force has been validated. These failure modes include plastic global failure, tensile tearing failure and transverse shear failure. The validation was performed by comparing simulation results in term of the contact force, deformation shape, failure mode and the maximum transverse displacement with available published experimental test results by others. The progressive damage and failure model available in ABAQUS/Explicit has been utilized in the present numerical models to account for material shear and tensile tearing failure under impact. Comparisons between the experimental and simulation results confirmed that the numerical models were able to accurately predict the aforementioned failure modes. Thereafter, a parametric study has been conducted to investigate the effects of several parameters on the response of axially loaded steel column, based on the results of which simplifying assumptions on column behaviour under impact can be made to develop appropriate design calculation methods for steel columns under such loading conditions.

Numerical studies on CFRP strengthened steel columns under transverse impact

“…It is observed that the current FE simulation can predict the failure modes of 0%, 50%, and 70% axially loaded steel tube under transverse impact loading reasonably. The CHS tube with 70% axial loading has shown global failure behaviour with large lateral and axial displacement as depicted in the earlier experimental tests and numerical simulations [20,30,31]. Fig.…”

“…The surface-to-surface approach has been chosen due to more realistic stress distribution compared to node-to-surface contact algorithm [28]. Penalty and hard contact methods are adopted to define the tangential and normal behaviour of contact interaction with the value of 0.47 coefficient of friction [30]. The predefined field option in ABAQUS/Explicit is used to apply the initial velocity of 7 m/s to the indentor to cause transverse impact on the steel tube.…”

Behaviour of cold-formed dimpled columns under lateral impact

“…Past research and statistic data have revealed that accidental collision is one of the main causes of structural failure [2,3]. During the collision, the structural components are exposed to the operating axial compressive load as well as the lateral impact loads [4]. The collision energy is absorbed by the tubular members subjected to bending conditions.…”

Lateral Torsional Buckling of Steel Beams under Transverse Impact Loading

“…Steel beams develop different impact resistances while impact loads are applied at various locations. Al-Thairy and Wang [21] examined the behavior and failure modes of axially compressed steel columns subject to transverse impact by a rigid mass at varying impact speeds and locations. Ning and Zhao [22,23] completed the experimental study on the stability of aluminum alloy cantilever high beams under cylinder head impact.…”