Nonlinear finite element analysis of loading transferred from column to socket base

Since the beginning of the 90 s, depending on the growth of the industrial sector in Turkey, factory constructions have been increased. The cost of precast concrete buildings is lower than the steel ones for this reason the precast structural systems are used more. Precast concrete structural elements are mostly as strong as not to have damage in the earthquake but weakness of connections between elements causes unexpected damages of structure during earthquake. When looking at the previous researches, it can be seen that there is a lack of studies about socket type base connections although there were many experimental and analytical studies about the connections of precast structural elements. The aim of this study is to investigate the stress transfer mechanism between column and the socket base wall with finite element method. For the finite element analysis ANSYS software was used. A finite element model was created which is the simulation of experimental research executed by Canha et al. (2009) under vertical and horizontal forces. Results of experimental research and finite element analysis were compared to create a successful simulation of experimental program. After determining the acceptable parameters, models of socket bases were created. Model dimensions were chosen according to square section column sizes 400, 450, 500, 550 and 600 mm which were mostly used in industrial buildings. As a result of this study, stress distribution at center section of the socket base models were observed and it is found that stress distribution affects triangular at the half of socket bottom and top.