Discussion: Evaluating the effects of loading protocol on the strength and deformation capacity of Flexure-Shear critical concrete columns

This is a discussion piece on Dolati SSK, Matamoros A and Ghannoum W (2023) Evaluating the effects of loading protocol on the strength and deformation capacity of Flexure-Shear critical concrete columns. Engineering Structures 279: 115592, Link to the cited article.The increasing reliance on ATENA software-based finite-element simulations for modelling columns necessitates transparency in parameter selection and calibration. While the study by Dolati et al. (2023) provides an extensive investigation of flexure-shear critical columns, some aspects of the modelling strategy and data reporting require clarification to ensure the validity of the conclusions.The following points about the discussed paper necessitate clarification.Clarification addressing the reported inconsistencies in modelling assumptions, parameter calibration, result interpretation and data reporting is essential to justify the conclusions. Addressing these issues would enhance the transparency and reliability of ATENA-based simulations for flexure-shear critical reinforced concrete columns under seismic loading.