20. Towards Robust Behavioral Modeling of Reinforced Concrete Members

Performance–based seismic design and assessment guidelines promote nonlinear response history analysis of structures using analytical models that can realistically represent the behavioral characteristics of the structural members. For implementation and improvement of such performance–based methodologies, reliable analytical modeling approaches must be used to represent the cyclic nonlinear behavior of the individual structural members in the building, as well as their interaction in the structural system. In this chapter, examples of novel analytical modeling approaches are presented, for simulating the nonlinear response of reinforced concrete structural components, under reversed cyclic loading conditions. Accuracy of the presented modeling approaches are demonstrated via comparison of the model predictions with test results conducted on reinforced concrete wall, column, and panel specimens, with various geometries, material strengths, and reinforcement detailing characteristics. Continuing research efforts on further improvement of the models are also outlined.