Postcracking Formulation for Analysis of RC Structures Based on Secant Stiffness

In this paper a total stress‐strain constitutive model is employed to simulate concrete response prior to cracking. A smeared crack approach is used to simulate the effect of cracking in concrete, and the model is capable of depicting the effect of multiple nonorthogonal cracks. Tension stiffening is considered part of the concrete in each reinforcing direction. A variable crack interface shear‐stiffness model, based on crack‐confining normal stresses, is employed. The effect of compression softening in cracked concrete is considered through the use of both stress‐ and strain‐based softening procedures. The capabilities of the analytical model are evaluated by analyzing several panel elements under uniform membrane stresses and a shear‐wall element under in‐plane stress action.