Reinforced high-strength concrete square columns confined by aramid FRP jackets -part II: modeling

Based on the experimental data presented in part I of these companion papers, a semi-empirical model is proposed for axial stress-strain curves of reinforced high-strength concrete square columns confined by aramid fiber reinforced polymer (FRP) jackets. Additionally, a three-dimensional finite element model is developed to simulate the mechanical behaviors of the columns. In the finite element model, both material nonlinear and contact nonlinear are taken into account. Moreover, the influence of contact nonlinear (i.e., the end friction on the contact surface between test machines and specimens) is investigated deeply. Predictions from both the semi-empirical model and the finite element model agree with the experimental results, and it is also demonstrated that the friction coefficient of end friction notably affect the properties of columns when it ranges from 0.00 to 0.25.