Title: Pivot Hysteresis Model for Reinforced Concrete Members

Author(s): Robert K. Dowell, Frieder Seible, and Edward L. Wilson

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 95

Issue: 5

Appears on pages(s): 607-617

Keywords: bridges; damping; ductility; dynamic; hysteresis; nonlinear; practical design; reinforced concrete;

DOI: 10.14359/575

Date: 9/1/1998

Abstract:
For nonlinear dynamic seismic analysis of bridge structures to be practical, only the dominant nonlinear characteristics of the structure should be included. Based on capacity design principles, the current seismic bridge design philosophy is generally to force all member nonlinearities into the ends of ductile columns. Therefore, nonlinear characteristics of the columns must be adequately defined. In this paper, a hysteresis model is presented which accurately captures the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete members in terms of a force-displacement, or moment-rotation, response. What makes this model attractive, when compared to other hysteresis models, is that unsymmetric sections (non-symmetric cross-section geometry and/or tension reinforcement amounts in the two loading directions), a cyclic axial load, and strength degradation may be included. The model is based on a few simple rules. Results based on the proposed hysteresis model show close agreement with various experiments on reinforced concrete members.