Product Overview:
In this tutorial, we investigate the simulation of cyclic loading on a steel beam-column structure, along with a damage investigation using Abaqus. The beam is modeled as a three-dimensional shell part, while two steel columns are also represented as three-dimensional shell parts.

To accurately model the behavior of the steel beam and columns under cyclic loading, an elastic-isotropic plasticity approach is employed, coupled with a ductile damage criterion to predict potential damage during the simulation. While kinematic or combined plasticity could also be used, isotropic plasticity combined with ductile damage provides more accurate results for predicting damage.

A general static step is suitable for this analysis, and modifications are made to the convergence model to prevent early convergence issues. Ideal contact conditions are assumed between the beam and the columns. Additionally, a general contact algorithm is implemented to address regions experiencing interference during the simulation. Fixed boundary conditions are applied to the bottom nodes of the columns, while a displacement boundary with a cyclic loading protocol is assigned to the columns. Ensuring a fine mesh is essential for achieving accurate results.

Following the simulation, a variety of results—including stress, strain, damage, failure assessments, and force-displacement diagrams—are obtainable.