3D Fiber-Based Frame Element with Multiaxial Stress Interaction for RC Structures

A three-dimensional fiber-based frame element accounting for multiaxial stress conditions in reinforced concrete structures is presented. The element formulation relies on the classical Timoshenko beam theory combined with sectional fiber discretization and a triaxial constitutive model for reinforced concrete consisting of an orthotropic, smeared crack material model based on the fixed crack assumption. Torsional effects are included through the Saint-Venant theory of torsion, which accounts for out-of-plane displacements perpendicular to the cross section due to warping effects. The formulation was implemented into a force-based beam-column element and verified against monotonic and cyclic tests of reinforced concrete columns in biaxial bending, beams in combined flexure-torsion, and flexure-torsion-shear.

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