Compression test of the CFRP composite spirals in a circular hollow UHPC column

In this tutorial, the compression test simulation of CFRP composite spirals in circular hollow UHPC columns has been carried out in Abaqus. The ultra-high-performance concrete (UHPC) column is modeled as a three-dimensional solid part, the spiral CFRP reinforcement is modeled as a solid part, and the longitudinal steel bars are modeled as wire parts. Hollow UHPC columns are often preferred in applications such as ground piles, utility poles, medium- to low-height piers, and tall bridge piers due to their superior resistance to axial loading and bending moments, enhanced structural efficiency, high stiffness-to-mass and strength-to-mass ratios, reduced self-weight, and cost-effectiveness compared to solid concrete columns. In recent years, carbon fiber reinforced polymers (CFRPs) have been increasingly applied as both longitudinal and transverse reinforcements in hollow and solid concrete columns. To capture the material behavior, the UHPC column is modeled using the Concrete Damaged Plasticity model under compression loading, the CFRP spiral is defined as an elastic member, and the longitudinal steel bars are modeled with an elastic-plastic formulation. The simulation uses a dynamic explicit step with a defined time period, assumes perfect contact between the rigid bodies and the column, and embeds the CFRP spirals and steel bars within the UHPC column. Appropriate boundary conditions and meshing are applied to all parts to ensure accuracy. After the analysis, the simulation provides detailed results including stress, strain, damage, failure, and force–displacement responses for evaluation.