Seismic performance assessment of deteriorated reinforced concrete columns using a new plastic-hinge element

The purpose of this paper is to numerically assess the seismic performance of deteriorated reinforced concrete columns using a new plastic-hinge element. Developing a three dimensional (3D) nonlinear model can be difficult and computationally complex, and there can be problems applying it in the field. Thus, to solve these problems, a plastic-hinge element that could considers the shear deformation of deteriorated reinforced concrete columns was proposed. The developed element was based on the Timoshenko beam model and used two nodes with six degrees of freedom and a zero-length element. Moreover, the developed model could consider the combined effects of corrosion, as demonstrated by the reduced reinforcement area and the loss of bond. Consequently, the numerical procedures developed for evaluating the seismic performance of deteriorated columns were validated by comparing the verification results.