FE simulations of ferrocement Box Columns incorporating Filled with Lightweight Concrete

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Abstract
In recent years, the Finite Element Method (FEM) has become more popular and widely used. It has become one of the basic methods used to study the behaviour of members of reinforced structure members. The Finite Element Analysis (FEA) method has proven to be a very powerful tool in engineering analysis because of its advantages over most other numerical methods. In this study, the finite element method was used with the ANSYS 19 program to study the behavior of columns until failure. The aim of this research is to produce lightweight concrete box columns with different types of base materials in order to reduce the weight of the column and thus reduce the loads on the soil when designing the foundations, and thus reduce the cost. This is done by studying finite element (FE) modeling using the ANSYS 19 program, where the study included modeling eleven square columns with a side length of 200 mm, a height of 1000 mm, and basic box dimensions of 100 x 100 mm along the height of the column. The samples were tested under the influence of axial and eccentric loads until collapse occurred, and the effects of some variables such as strength, hardness, cracking behavior, ductility, and energy absorption were studied. The finite element models of this study were validated with experimental results from previous studies.
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