A numerical procedure for reinforced concrete columns with a focus on stability analysis

The purpose of this paper is to present a numerical procedure to analyse reinforced concrete columns subjected to combined axial loads and bending that rigorously considers nonlinear material and nonlinear geometric characteristics. Column design and stability analysis are simultaneously regarded. A finite element method is used for calculating displacements and the material and geometric nonlinearities are taken into account using an iterative process. A computer program is developed from the proposed numerical procedure, and the efficiency of the program is verified against available experimental data. The model applies to constant rectangular cross sectional columns with symmetric reinforcement distribution.