Homogeneous generalized yield function for ultimate bearing capacity analysis of reinforced concrete arches with rectangular-section

Abstract

The linear-elastic iterative method for reinforced concrete (RC) arches with rectangular-section offers the benefits of straightforward modeling and high computational efficiency. This study presents the homogeneous generalized yield functions (HGYFs) and a linear-elastic iterative method designed to analyze the ultimate bearing capacity of RC arches with rectangular-section, taking into account the P-δ effect. This extends the applicability of the linear-elastic iterative method in RC structures. Initially, the stability coefficient and the magnifying coefficient of bending moment were introduced into the first-order ultimate bearing capacity correlation equation (UBCE). A second-order UBCE, which considers the P-δ effect, was developed for symmetrically reinforced RC eccentric compression medium-length members with rectangular-section in engineering applications. Based on the functional and curve characteristics of these UBCEs, piecewise HGYFs for both first-order and second-order ultimate bearing capacity analysis of symmetrically reinforced RC eccentric compression members were established using a segmentation strategy at the boundary characteristic point. Additionally, adaptive identification criteria for high and low-stressed elements were defined using the element bearing ratio (EBR). The elastic modulus of high-stressed elements was strategically reduced to simulate stiffness degradation in these areas of the RC structure. The elastic modulus reduction method (EMRM) for analyzing the first-order and second-order ultimate bearing capacity of symmetrically reinforced RC arches was proposed, utilizing linear-elastic iterative analysis. Finally, the validity of the proposed method was verified by comparing its results with model tests and the incremental non-linear finite element method (INFEM).