Second-order effects in horizontally loaded reinforced concrete columns

Abstract This paper deals with the second-order effects in horizontally loaded reinforced concrete columns. The current standard approach according to Eurocode 2 is the starting point for the considerations. Simplified methods that take into account the secondary effects, that is, the nominal stiffness method and the nominal curvature method, and their limitations are discussed. Most attention is devoted to the general method. As only general guidelines for this method can be found in the literature on the subject, the author presents his own original approach to calculations done using this method. Exemplary analyses for the corbel columns of high bay racked warehouses are made. Columns of different lengths are analyzed. The calculations show the overestimates introduced by the simplified methods and the benefits stemming from the use of the general method, especially in the case of quite slender columns.