Simplified analysis of concentrically loaded reinforced concrete columns

Abstract Reinforced concrete columns subjected to concentric and eccentric compression loads are typically treated in an identical manner, taking into account both the imperfect shape, creep, and the second order effects, as described for example in fib Model Code 2020 and Eurocode 2. For concentrically loaded steel or timber columns and masonry walls simplified analyses are available, which are based on the cross‐sectional load bearing capacity reduced by a factor, which depends primarily on the slenderness. Analogously to the method used for compressed steel members, we intend to develop a reduction factor method by which the resistance of concentrically loaded reinforced concrete members can be simply calculated from the plastic resistance of the cross‐section. In this paper, we present a fib Model Code 2020 and second generation Eurocode 2 conform table method for the determination of this reduction factor. Our results are validated by advanced, nonlinear finite element analyses.