RC column modeling in ABAQUS

[pilsung42]

Hi friends and colleagues,

I am modeling RC columns on a foundation beam in ABAQUS using solid elements (C3D8R). Reinforcing steels were modeled using truss element (T3D2) as embedded elements. An unconfined concrete stress-strain curve was imposed on concrete cover element where f'c = 35MPa. This column was subjected to a monotonic lateral loading at the top of the column.

Somehow, the analysis stopped before the maximum specified displacement was reached. I checked the maximum compressive stress at the concrete cover element, it was 58 MPa.

Can anybody tell me why the maximum compressive stress can exceed the nominal compressive stress (f'c)?

Also, does anybody know whether transverse reinforcement in ABAQUS can provide "confining" effect to the 3D model? Or we need to specified a confined-concrete stress-strain curves for elements located inside transverse reinforcement.

Any comments and suggestions are truly appreciated.

Thanks.