Why ABAQUS is perfect for Civil Engineering

Why ABAQUS is perfect for Civil Engineering

Obviously, Finite Element Method (FEM) is one of the most effective methods for numerical modeling. Among several pieces of civil engineering software, which are designed based on FEM,  Plaxis, SAP and Abaqus are probably the most well-known ones. In this article we give you a summary of some useful characteristics of Abaqus which are profitable for civil engineering projects.

1. Capability of non-linear analysis

Several non-linear solvers have been provided in Abaqus. Using these nonlinear solvers, civil engineers can model and analyse the structural damages, earthquake loading.

2. Different structural elements

As it is obvious, using 3D elements are usually the most realistic way to model a structure. But bear in mind, using them sharply increase the computational expenses. In addition to 3D continuum elements, 3 other families are specifically provided to model the structural elements. By using beam, truss and shell elements civil engineering projects can be modeled and analysed with high precision and within a reasonable time.

It is noteworthy that only if the users is aware of some limitations and considerations, the accuracy of these structural elements is granted. It is highly recommended to watch Abaqus 101-lesson 4 to find out under which conditions the structural elements leads to inaccuracy

3. Buckling and post buckling analysis

Under compression loads, slender members are highly likely to become instable due to a sudden sideway deflection, while the materials can still tolerate larger stresses. This conditions, which is called buckling, is a serious damaging phenomenon in different structures. In Abaqus is a powerful tool to study the buckling and post buckling behavior of the structures.

4. Hysteresis analysis in Abaqus

Many steel structures, such as …, are likely to be subjected to cyclic loading. However Abaqus does have several plasticity models to study such cases, by coding subroutines, you can also define even more plasticity models for your research. UHARD، UMAT، VUHARD are Some of well-known subroutines which can be used for such purposes.

5. The ability to model reinforced concrete members

However there are other pieces of numerical software to model a reinforced concrete member, but when it comes to accuracy Abaqus is diffinetely comes in the top of the list. Interaction module can cover a variety of theories estimating the dowels-concrete friction. Moreover, different continuum models are at your disposal to simulate the behavior of the concrete in plastic and damage zones.

6. Simulation of Earthquake loading

Earth quake, as a catastrophic event, has been always a main concern for civil engineering designer. Earthquake analysis can be carried out using either Abaqus/explicit or Abaqus/implicit solver. And using multi-step analysis and sequential analysis, the user can define the initial condition of the structure.  To learn about the general strategy of earthquake loading in Abaqus, you can click here and watch the related video lesson.

7. The ability to model FRP (Fiber Reinforced Polmer)

Abaqus can easily model and analyse the effect of FRP to improve the bearing capacity of the concrete structures. Using FRP is usually accompanied with gluing polymer straps to the structure, which can be easily modeled by using ‘Cohesive Zone Method’. Another prolific feature of Abaqus in this field is that Damage and failure of the fiber-reinforced composites can be studied by  ‘Hashin Damage Theory’.

8. Fluid Structure Interaction

In some cases, the only way to consider effect of fluid on the structure is to calculate its reactions forces, and apply them manually to the numerical model of the structure.  However this method poses a degree of inaccuracy, it might be the only solution for a number of projects such as ‘Sloshing’ simulation. Fortunately, there are three methods to perform a coupled analysis in order to account for the effect of fluid on the structure.

1- SPH (Smooth Particle)

2- ALE (Arbitrary Lagrangian-Eulerian)

3- CEL (Coupled Eulerian Lagrange )

9. Infinite elements

In the geotechnical project and rock mechanic problems, the geometry of the soil mass should be extended in depth in order to eliminate the effect of boundary conditions. Infinite elements are another useful feature in abaqus for modeling of geotechnical projects.

All in all, according to the features mentioned in above sections, it is highly recommended for civil engineer to learn Abaus as one of the most powerful numerical software.