An Automated Algorithm for the Sectional Analysis of Reinforced and Prestressed Concrete Columns

Abstract This article aims to describe an automatic calculation algorithm developed for the analysis of reinforced concrete and / or prestressed concrete cross sections. The sectional analysis consists in the generation of two characteristic curves: the bending moment - curvature (M-1/r) and the axial force - bending moment (N-M), the calculation approach and the implementation of the algorithm being briefly described by the mathematical equations used. To verify the calculation algorithm, the results were compared with those obtained from experimental tests in the laboratory but also with numerical simulations using commercial computational software based on the finite element method (FEM). The algorithm was written in the MATLAB programming language. The results obtained with the developed algorithm show conservative results when compared to the experimental ones. Moreover, the bending moment resistance for prestressed concrete columns using bonded tendons is better estimated with at least 10% when compared with the one obtained with a fiber based cross section nonlinear analyses.