Toward Rational Curvature of Reinforced Concrete Members

Rational estimate of curvature for reinforced concrete elements is one of the most challenging problems in predicting service, and ultimate responses. A proposed formula for the secant curvature of bending element; namely beams is presented for the calculation of the element deflection.

Moreover, axial load-curvature relationship was proposed for axially loaded element to rationalize the determination of columns mid-height deflection. Assuming a sinusoidal deflected shape along with satisfying the compatibility and equilibrium conditions at mid-high section the secondary moment of the columns can be predicted. The predicted deflection by adopting the first formula was compared with ACI code as well other formulae and the strip method and proved to give consistent, and conservative results. The axial capacity using curvature-axial load relationship was compared with strip method, as well as Euro Code provisions, and proved to give conservative results.