FEA of RC Columns Reinforced with WWF Subjected to Concentric Loading

This paper investigates the potential of using Welded Wire Fabric (WWF) as longitudinal and transverse reinforcement in concrete columns as an alternative to conventionally tied columns. Commercial software package ABAQUS was used to develop a nonlinear finite element (FE) model capable of accurately simulating the axial behavior of concrete columns reinforced with WWF. A parametric study was conducted with the aim of evaluating the effect of replacing both longitudinal & transverse reinforcement with WWF in short concrete columns with concrete compressive strength of 50 MPa. Each WWF reinforced column is compared with its equivalent conventionally reinforced column in terms of dimensions, reinforcement ratio and material properties. Results from the FE analysis revealed that replacing conventional reinforcement with WWF resulted in a slight increase in strength and appreciable enhancement of ductility without compromising stiffness. In conclusion, WWF is a sufficient form of reinforcement for short concrete columns subjected to concentric loading. WWF could potentially yield more ductility in columns with optimal reinforcement ratio (3%).