Effective Nonlinear Simulations of RC Columns with Force-Based Elements

Force-based elements with plastic hinge integration are often used to simulate the nonlinear behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) columns experiencing softening behavior. The response from these models can be highly sensitive to the assumed plastic hinge length, Lp. The objective of this paper is to evaluate the accuracy and sensitivity of the global and local behaviors of RC columns to the assumed Lp. The evaluation is conducted using unregularized and regularized material stress-strain relationships. Additionally, a regularized confined concrete crushing energy equation is proposed to increase the accuracy of the numerical results and reduce their sensitivity to the assumed