Title: Tension-Stiffening and Moment-Curvature Relations of Reinforced Concrete Elements

Author(s): G. K. V. Prakhya and C. T. Morley

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 87

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 597-605

Keywords: beams (supports); concrete slabs; cracking (fracturing); moment-curvature relationship; reinforced concrete; reinforcing steels; skewness; stiffness; tension; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/2680

Date: 9/1/1990

Abstract:
The different parameters that influence the tension stiffening of reinforced concrete are critically examined. A simple equation based on previous experimental results is derived to define the softening characteristics of the concrete and can be used to compute deflections. Reinforcement parameters, such as bar diameter, reinforcement spacing, and cover affect the numerical coefficients in the equation describing the falling branch of the concrete component. Incorporating these material nonlinearities in the tension and compression zones of a two-zone model, moment-curvature relations are developed. The analytical results are verified by comparison with test data. The effect of the resultant tensile force location and magnitude on the overall response of the structure is demonstrated in flexural members with low percentages of reinforcement.