Finite element analysis on the defected reinforced concrete column

Abstract

In construction industry, misinterpretation of detail drawings is likely to occur in a tight-scheduled project, leading to the non-conformance with the detail drawings. This study is conducted on a damaged column of a real construction project, where the as-built dimension of its stump does not comply with the detail drawings. The stump is protruded from the wall and is hacked for aesthetic reason, thus the strength of the column is reduced. The aim for this study is to conduct a finite element analysis on the reinforced concrete column whose stump is damaged, to study the behaviour of the column. The strength level and maximum hacking allowed are determined. Non-linear analyses are performed on the column model using LUSAS. The accuracy of the finite element model is verified against experimental data published. The theoretical results are also used to verify the finite element model. From the analysis results, the load capacity, deflection and stress contour of the column with the respected degrees of damage at stump due to hacking are known. Subsequently, the failure mode of the column and the maximum hacking allowed are determined. Besides that, an equation for the particular column is established to determine the column capacity based on the damage done to the stump due to hacking. At the end of the study, it is found that the column having its stump hacked is still able to sustain its design load and maintain its stability.