Validated three-dimensional finite element modeling for static behavior of RC tapered columns

This article aims to simulate the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) tapered columns subjected to static loads. The experimental data used in the study are from the literature. Two of the simulated columns are slender columns tested under uniaxial eccentric loads. The third one is a short column and was tested concentrically. The concrete damaged plasticity (CDP) model offered in the Abaqus software, which accounts for stiffness degradation of concrete in both compression and tension, was used. The modulus of rupture of concrete and the value of the cracking strain proposed by the Abaqus analysis user's manual were used as the parameters of tension stiffening. The modified Hognestad's model was used for the compressive behavior of concrete. The Static Riks analyses were performed with an activated geometric nonlinearity. The numerical failure load is 100.125, 99.297, and 102.16% of the experimental failure load for Models 1, 2, and 3, respectively. The agreement of the numerical results with the experimental results has confirmed the efficiency of the CDP model to simulate the concrete behavior, and has also revealed the validity of the numerical models.