Three dimensional FE analysis of high strength concrete columns

In the continuing research on large and high strength concrete structures there is a need for improved finite element models. Such models should be capable of analysing the full range of non-linear behaviour observed in the laboratory, including confining effects provided by steel reinforcement. Developed in this paper is a finite element model to investigate the response of concrete columns with colerete strengths upto 70 MPa. A numerical example is presented for an axially loaded column with varying eccentricities with the results compared with various simplified stress blocks. Analyses were also undertaken for columns with reduced cover strengths and compared with proposed strength reduction formulae. The results compare well with stress block parameters adopted by the Canadian and New Zealand codes of practice.