Application of lumped dissipation model in nonlinear analysis of reinforced concrete structures

This paper deals with the application of the lumped dissipation model in the analysis of reinforced concrete structures, emphasizing the nonlinear behaviour of the materials. The presented model is based on the original models developed by Cipollina and Florez-Lopez (1995) [12], Florez-Lopez (1995) [13] and Picon and Florez-Lopez (2000) [14]. However, some modifications were introduced in the functions that control the damage evolution in order to improve the results obtained. The efficiency of the new approach is evaluated by means of a comparison with experimental results on reinforced concrete structures such as simply supported beams, plane frames and beam-to-column connections. Finally, the adequacy of the numerical model representing the global behaviour of framed structures is investigated and the limits of the analysis are discussed.