Simplified numerical model for reinforced concrete tension ties

This paper presents a simplified numerical model for reinforced concrete tension ties subjected to axial tension, based on key concepts from the theory of plasticity, fracture mechanics, and damage mechanics applied to frame members. The proposed approach provides an efficient alternative to more elaborate numerical formulations by capturing stiffness degradation and unloading behavior with low computational demand. In the proposed formulation, concrete cracking is represented through an internal axial damage variable, while reinforcement yielding is described by a plastic elongation variable. These mechanisms allow the model to reproduce the main features of the structural response without relying on refined finite element discretization or complex constitutive descriptions. To evaluate the performance of this model, numerical simulations were executed, considering different longitudinal reinforcement rates and degrees of elongation and comparing the results with experiments from the technical literature. The numerical results showed a behavior similar to the experimental ones, with elongation values close to those observed experimentally and a satisfactory statistical adherence during unloading.