Effect of Imperfection Factors on Simulation of the Slender RC Columns Strengthened by SFR Using ABAQUS

Abstract

Due to geometric effects rather than material failure, buckling is the most typical failure mode of slender RC columns. Real columns are never perfect, and their flaws have a big effect on their stability, therefore, to use FEA software to study slender RC columns, requires a number for this imperfection, known as the imperfection factor. By checking experimental fields, codes provide some imperfection factor values to utilize in design and analysis these factors cover all kinds of imperfection that means they will be a flexible value. On the other hand, numerical fields like FEA software manuals dose note give a clear way to specify the imperfection factor according to experimental references especially material imperfection dependency. The results of the analytical model of the slender RC columns are presented in this work. The investigation includes the creation of an analytical model based on the finite element approach using ABAQUS/Standard 2020 software to see how material variation affects the value of the imperfection factor. The analytical model was compared to the experimental work utilizing similar properties to validate the results. All columns were axially loaded. The experimental and finite element results were in good agreement. From the relationship between SFR variation and the imperfection factor, a second-order equation could be suggested.