Evaluation of Inelastic Deformation Capacity of Beams Subjected to Cyclic Loading

The inelastic deformation capacity of reinforced concrete members subjected to cyclic loading is reduced by the early shear failure of concrete. In this study, an analytical method was developed to predict the inelastic deformation capacity of reinforced concrete beams subjected to cyclic or monotonic loading. To evaluate the relationship between the degraded shear capacity and deformation capacity of the beams, the effect of flexural deformation on the shear capacity of concrete was considered based on the material failure criteria for concrete. Other failure mechanisms, including the buckling and fracture of reinforcing bars, were also considered. The proposed analytical method was verified by comparing its predictions to the previous test results. The results showed that the proposed method can theoretically describe the deterioration of the shear capacity of beams due to inelastic flexural deformation. To apply the proposed method practically; a simplified equation for the evaluation of the deformation capacity of beams was developed.