Predicting Behavior of Cyclically Loaded RC Structures

Using strain-induced orthotropic material concepts, a new numerical constitutive model for predicting the cyclic loading behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) is formulated. A state of plane stress is assumed. The response is considered to be kinematically linear, but it accounts for the nonlinear material behavior. Cyclic-loading-induced damage is accommodated. Only the uniaxial compressive strength of the concrete and the yield stress of the reinforcing steel are needed as input to predict both constitutive behavior and structural strength. The approach is simple, reliable, and computationally efficient. The constitutive model is demonstrated by using a finite-element program to successfully predict the behavior of a highly nonlinear deep beam structure for which experimental test results were obtained from the literature.