Mathematical programming methods for the inelastic analysis of reinforced concrete frames allowing for limited rotation capacity

Abstract

Abstract The inelastic flexural behaviour of reinforced concrete beams is described, as usual, by a trilinear (or, in general, multilinear) moment–rotation relationship. The analysis of beams and frames subject to given external actions is formulated as a ‘linear complementary problem’ and, in two dual ways, as a ‘quadratic programming problem’. These problems are solved by means of classical and recent algorithms in use in operations research. By the procedures pointed out it is also possible to calculate the distribution of plastic deformations along the beams. Two methods are proposed for the evaluation of the safety factor against local failure due to limited rotation capacity: the solution technique of the direct one essentially consists of an application of the simplex method for linear programming. Finally, a procedure is established for determining, allowing for the irreversibility of plastic rotations, the structural response to non‐proportional loading histories which consist of individually proportional stages. Illustrative examples are given.