A parametric finite element study of concrete cone failure in headed bars under tensile loading

This article presents a parametric numerical study of the pullout behavior of headed bars embedded in concrete elements. The finite element model was developed using Abaqus software and validated to simulate the behavior of four pullout tests. The numerical results were validated against the experimental results and showed excellent agreement with the load-slip response and failure modes. Furthermore, a parametric numerical study with 23 simulations was planned to explore the influence of several variables on concrete cone failure, including concrete strength, flexural reinforcement ratio, geometry and head size, shaft diameter, and edge and group effects. The ultimate load results, failure modes, and influence on ultimate load are discussed.