Experimental and numerical study on softening and pinching effects of reinforced concrete frame

Abstract

The response analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) structures subjected to strong earthquake motions requires material models that are able to simulate cyclic deformation and damage realistically. This paper presents the results of a study of pinching and softening behaviour in an RC frame subjected to cyclic loading. The experiment was conducted on a full-scale RC frame at Indian Institute of Technology Roorkee in India. The hysteretic curve representing the response of the frame was generated. Finite element analyses were performed to predict the response of the frame under cyclic loading both before and after the test using different computer codes, ABAQUS and OpenSees. Although the experiment was conducted using load control, the finite element simulations were performed using displacement control. The result from both models are compared to the experiment and to each other and a detailed discussion is provided on the modelling capabilities of the two software in capturing the pinching and softening behaviour observed in the test.