Product Overview:
In this tutorial, we investigate the simulation of compression tests on concrete columns, both with and without steel reinforcement. The concrete column is modeled as a three-dimensional solid component, while the steel reinforcements are represented as wire elements. Additionally, two rigid bodies are included in the model to act as a boundary zone and a hydraulic jack.

Two separate analyses were conducted for this simulation. The first analysis examines the compression test of a short concrete column without any steel reinforcement, while the second analysis focuses on a column that includes steel reinforcement. The primary objective of this simulation is to assess and compare the force capacities of both models.

To capture the behavior of concrete, the Concrete Damaged Plasticity model was chosen. This model is a continuum-based approach that addresses plasticity and damage in concrete, taking into account the two primary failure mechanisms: tensile cracking and compressive crushing. For the steel reinforcement, elastic-plastic material properties are applied. A general static step, with comprehensive contact definitions to account for all interactions in the contact domain, is used for both analyses. Fixed boundary conditions are assigned to the bottom rigid body, while a smooth displacement load is applied to the top rigid body. A fine mesh is essential for both simulations to ensure accurate results.

After completing the simulations, results such as stress, plastic strain, force, and displacements can be obtained for analysis. A comparison of the force capacities reveals a significant enhancement in strength due to the presence of steel reinforcement; the maximum force observed in the column with steel reinforcement far exceeds that of the column without it.