A Simplified Method for Estimating the Amount of Energy Dissipated by Flexure-Dominated Reinforced Concrete Members for Moderate Plastic Deformations

Abstract

In advanced earthquake analysis/design methods, the cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) members, which is characterized by strength, deformability, and the amount of dissipated energy is estimated by either empirical equations, which are not sufficiently accurate, or experiments and sophisticated numerical analysis, which are difficult to use in practice. In the present study, nonlinear finite element analysis was performed to investigate the behavioral characteristics of flexure-dominated RC members subject to moderate plastic displacements. The results showed that flexural pinching can occur due to the effects of axial compressive force and asymmetrical rebar arrangement. However, axial force has little effect on the energy dissipation. The arrangement and ratio of reinforcement have substantial effects. Based on the findings, a simplified method to estimate the energy dissipated by flexure-dominated members was developed, and was verified by comparing its results with those of existing experiments on beams, columns, and structural walls.