Reinforced Concrete Columns under Cyclic Axial Compressive Forces

Abstract

The stress‐strain diagram of a short concrete specimen under compressive uniaxial load cycles is enveloped by a curve that matches the stress‐strain curve obtained under constantly increasing strain. At least eight published studies have shown that this envelope curve is unique with respect to a variety of excitation histories in the range of strain rates generally met in seismic conditions. In the present work we have attempted to extend the envelope curve concept to columns in plain or reinforced concrete, with reference to compressive stresses again. The tests performed have allowed us to ascertain that this curve is unique and coincides with the monotonic curve.