Performance analysis tool for reinforced concrete members

A computer program was developed to analyze the non-linear, cyclic flexural performance of reinforced concrete structural members under various types of loading paths including non-sequential variations in axial load. This performance is significantly affected by the loading history. Different monotonic material models as well as hysteresis rules for confined and unconfined concrete and steel, some developed and calibrated against test results on material samples, were implemented in a fiber-based moment-curvature and in turn force-deflection analysis. One of the assumptions on curvature distribution along the member was based on a method developed to address the variation of the plastic hinge length as a result of loading pattern. Functionality of the program was verified by reproduction of analytical results obtained by others for several cases, and accuracy of the analytical process and the implemented models were evaluated against the experimental results from large-scale reinforced concrete columns tested under the analyzed loading cases. While the program can be used to predict the response of a member under a certain loading pattern, it can also be used to examine various analytical models and methods or refine a custom material model against test data.