Research Doctorate - Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) / Masonry walls will almost invariably be required to resist lateral out-of-plane loads due to the action of wind or earthquakes; less commonly walls may be subjected to water or earth pressure or blast loading. Of particular interest is the common case which arises when the walls are supported on two or more adjacent edges. Under these conditions the masonry is subjected to a complex state of biaxial (two-way) out-of-plane bending combined with vertical in-plane compression due to the self weight of the wall and any superimposed loads. Different approaches currently exist for the design of masonry wall panels subjected to out-of-plane loads. However, these approaches are all empirical and often yield widely varying design recommendations and there has been significant criticism by proponents of the different methods regarding the use of alternative approaches. In this study an extensive program of laboratory testing in parallel with numerical analysis was conducted to examine the bending, biaxial bending in particular, behaviour of masonry walls. The aim was to provide a better understanding of the behaviour at the fundamental level towards ultimately developing a fully rational biaxial-bending failure model that can predict behaviour under any simultaneous combination of bending moments in the two principal directions, along with a superimposed compression force on the bed joints. Experimentally, 'single joint' four brick unit specimens were studied comprehensively, using a newly commissioned test rig, by subjecting them to various vertical and horizontal bending moments both separately and in combinations, along with a superimposed compression force on the bed joints. These tests provided important information about the flexural behaviour of mortar joints and the torsional behaviour of bed joints. In addition, a complete set of characterization tests was also performed to study the fundamental material properties of masonry, which were important input parameters in the numerical modelling. Numerically, a 3D non-linear finite element micro-model with cohesive contact was proposed and implemented in the ABAQUS/Standard software package. Numerical viii analyses were performed to provide rational explanations to the bending behaviours observed in the four brick unit specimen tests and evaluate a newly proposed torsion shear test method. A simplified 3D non-linear finite element micro-model was also proposed to simulate the bending behaviour of small walls. Its effectiveness was clearly demonstrated in its application to masonry walls, with or without openings, subjected to both in-plane and out-of-plane loads.

Doctor of Philosophy / Department of Civil Engineering / Hayder Rasheed / The analysis of concrete columns using unconfined concrete models is a well established practice. On the other hand, prediction of the actual ultimate capacity of confined concrete columns requires specialized nonlinear analysis. Modern codes and standards are introducing the need to perform extreme event analysis. There has been a number of studies that focused on the analysis and testing of concentric columns or cylinders. This case has the highest confinement utilization since the entire section is under confined compression. On the other hand, the augmentation of compressive strength and ductility due to full axial confinement is not applicable to pure bending and combined bending and axial load cases simply because the area of effective confined concrete in compression is reduced. The higher eccentricity causes smaller confined concrete region in compression yielding smaller increase in strength and ductility of concrete. Accordingly, the ultimate confined strength is gradually reduced from the fully confined value fcc (at zero eccentricity) to the unconfined value f’c (at infinite eccentricity) as a function of the compression area to total area ratio. The higher the eccentricity the smaller the confined concrete compression zone. This paradigm is used to implement adaptive eccentric model utilizing the well known Mander Model and Lam and Teng Model. Generalization of the moment of area approach is utilized based on proportional loading, finite layer procedure and the secant stiffness approach, in an iterative incremental numerical model to achieve equilibrium points of P- and M- response up to failure. This numerical analysis is adaptod to asses the confining effect in circular cross sectional columns confined with FRP and conventional lateral steel together; concrete filled steel tube (CFST) circular columns and rectangular columns confined with conventional lateral steel. This model is validated against experimental data found in literature. The comparison shows good correlation. Finally computer software is developed based on the non-linear numerical analysis. The software is equipped with an elegant graphics interface that assimilates input data, detail drawings, capacity diagrams and demand point mapping in a single sheet. Options for preliminary design, section and reinforcement selection are seamlessly integrated as well. The software generates 2D interaction diagrams for circular columns, 3D failure surface for rectangular columns and allows the user to determine the 2D interaction diagrams for any angle  between the x-axis and the resultant moment. Improvements to KDOT Bridge Design Manual using this software with reference to AASHTO LRFD are made. This study is limited to stub columns.

Como conseqüência do atual desenvolvimento tecnológico dos materiais aço e concreto, várias pesquisas têm surgido com vistas a um melhor aproveitamento da capacidade desses dois materiais, exigindo um maior conhecimento sobre o comportamento dos elementos, inclusive sobre sua vulnerabilidade a estados limites últimos. Sendo a instabilidade um estado limite último possível de ocorrer em configurações de equilíbrio de peças de concreto armado submetidas a determinadas solicitações normais, seu estudo torna-se fundamental para que seja possível propor soluções estruturais seguras e economicamente viáveis. Este trabalho apresenta a análise de alguns aspectos que interferem no estudo da estabilidade de pilares esbeltos de concreto armado, através de uma abordagem envolvendo aspectos teóricos, como também aspectos práticos oriundos da resolução de exemplos. O estudo é feito com base nos métodos geral e do equilíbrio, com os processos exato e do pilar padrão, através de um software (SISTEMA FLEXOR), desenvolvido por CADAMURO Jr. (1997). O objetivo é testar a viabilidade desses métodos a fim de propor soluções e, com isso, tornar mais amplo e acessível o uso de pilares esbeltos de concreto armado, incentivando a adoção de projetos mais arrojados sem subutilização dos materiais. / As a consequence of the actual technological development of the materials steel and concrete, many researches have come up with proposal of better use of these two materials capacity, demanding a bigger knowledge about the behaviour of the elements, included your vulnerability to ultimate limit states. Being the instability a possible ultimate limit state of reinforced concrete columns equilibrium configuration, this study has been fundamental to make possible to propose safe and economically reasonable structural solutions. This work presents the analysis of some aspects that interfere in the study of slender reinforced concrete columns stability, through an approach involving theoretical and practical aspects derived from numerical solutions. The scheme is based in the General and Equilibrium Methods with the Exact Process and Model Column Method, through a software (SISTEMA FLEXOR) developed by CADAMURO Jr. (1997). The objective is to testify the practicability of these methods, to propose solutions and to render wider and more practical the use of slender reinforced concrete columns, stimulating the adoption of projects bolders without underutilisation of the materials.

Como conseqüência do atual desenvolvimento tecnológico dos materiais aço e concreto, várias pesquisas têm surgido com vistas a um melhor aproveitamento da capacidade desses dois materiais, exigindo um maior conhecimento sobre o comportamento dos elementos, inclusive sobre sua vulnerabilidade a estados limites últimos. Sendo a instabilidade um estado limite último possível de ocorrer em configurações de equilíbrio de peças de concreto armado submetidas a determinadas solicitações normais, seu estudo torna-se fundamental para que seja possível propor soluções estruturais seguras e economicamente viáveis. Este trabalho apresenta a análise de alguns aspectos que interferem no estudo da estabilidade de pilares esbeltos de concreto armado, através de uma abordagem envolvendo aspectos teóricos, como também aspectos práticos oriundos da resolução de exemplos. O estudo é feito com base nos métodos geral e do equilíbrio, com os processos exato e do pilar padrão, através de um software (SISTEMA FLEXOR), desenvolvido por CADAMURO Jr. (1997). O objetivo é testar a viabilidade desses métodos a fim de propor soluções e, com isso, tornar mais amplo e acessível o uso de pilares esbeltos de concreto armado, incentivando a adoção de projetos mais arrojados sem subutilização dos materiais. / As a consequence of the actual technological development of the materials steel and concrete, many researches have come up with proposal of better use of these two materials capacity, demanding a bigger knowledge about the behaviour of the elements, included your vulnerability to ultimate limit states. Being the instability a possible ultimate limit state of reinforced concrete columns equilibrium configuration, this study has been fundamental to make possible to propose safe and economically reasonable structural solutions. This work presents the analysis of some aspects that interfere in the study of slender reinforced concrete columns stability, through an approach involving theoretical and practical aspects derived from numerical solutions. The scheme is based in the General and Equilibrium Methods with the Exact Process and Model Column Method, through a software (SISTEMA FLEXOR) developed by CADAMURO Jr. (1997). The objective is to testify the practicability of these methods, to propose solutions and to render wider and more practical the use of slender reinforced concrete columns, stimulating the adoption of projects bolders without underutilisation of the materials.

A ABNT NBR 6118:2014 – Projeto de Estruturas de Concreto apresenta quatro métodos para dimensionamento de pilares, sendo necessário o uso de envoltórias de momentos quando houver flexão composta oblíqua. Devido à complexidade, não se considera de forma adequada a não linearidade física, a verificação de flexão composta oblíqua e as imperfeições geométricas locais. Este trabalho apresenta diretrizes para o dimensionamento de pilares retangulares de concreto com armadura simétrica, submetidos à flexão composta oblíqua, empregando-se as envoltórias mínimas e resistentes para verificação da armadura. São feitas análises de como as não linearidades influem no estado-limite último de instabilidade e como elas devem ser consideradas nos métodos de dimensionamento. São indicadas duas situações que podem ser críticas para o pré-dimensionamento. São elaborados roteiros para determinação das envoltórias solicitantes, para cada método de dimensionamento, e das envoltórias resistentes, por meio do cálculo direto ou com o uso de ábacos para flexão composta normal. Há, também, dois apêndices, um sobre a determinação dos diagramas momento fletor – força normal – curvatura para qualquer tipo de seção, e outro sobre obtenção dos diagramas de interação (Nu, Mu), construção de ábacos para flexão composta normal e definição da taxa mecânica de armadura ω, sem o uso de ábacos para concretos de classe até C50. Concluindo, este trabalho constitui uma bibliografia atualizada para o projeto de pilares seguros e economicamente viáveis, esclarecendo conceitos tais como momento fletor resistente, envoltórias solicitantes e resistentes e utilização das não linearidades nos métodos de dimensionamento. / The Brazilian Code ABNT NBR 6118:2014 – Design of concrete structures presents four methods for columns dimensioning, requiring the use of envelopment of moments when there is biaxial bending. Due to complexity, do not accurately consider physical nonlinearity, biaxial bending and local geometric imperfections. This work presents guidelines for the design of concrete rectangular columns with symmetrical reinforcement, subjected to biaxial bending, employing the minimum and resisting envelopment curves for the verification of the reinforcement. Analysis are made of how nonlinearities influence in the ultimate limit state of instability and how they should be considered in design methods. Two situations are indicated that can be critical for the pre-dimensioning of the reinforcement. Procedures are developed to determine the envelopment of acting moments, for each design method, as well as the envelopment of resisting moments by means of either direct method or use of abacuses for eccentrical compression. There is also two appendixes, one about the determination of the diagrams bending moment – normal force – curvature for any kind of section, and another one about getting interaction diagrams (Nu, Mu), construction of abacuses for eccentrical compression and definition of ω, the reinforcement mechanical rate, without the use of abacuses for C50 concrete class or below. In conclusion, this constitutes an updated bibliography for the safe and economically viable columns project, clarifying concepts such as resistant moment, envelopments of acting and resisting moments, and the use of nonlinearities in the design methods.

A ABNT NBR 6118:2014 – Projeto de Estruturas de Concreto apresenta quatro métodos para dimensionamento de pilares, sendo necessário o uso de envoltórias de momentos quando houver flexão composta oblíqua. Devido à complexidade, não se considera de forma adequada a não linearidade física, a verificação de flexão composta oblíqua e as imperfeições geométricas locais. Este trabalho apresenta diretrizes para o dimensionamento de pilares retangulares de concreto com armadura simétrica, submetidos à flexão composta oblíqua, empregando-se as envoltórias mínimas e resistentes para verificação da armadura. São feitas análises de como as não linearidades influem no estado-limite último de instabilidade e como elas devem ser consideradas nos métodos de dimensionamento. São indicadas duas situações que podem ser críticas para o pré-dimensionamento. São elaborados roteiros para determinação das envoltórias solicitantes, para cada método de dimensionamento, e das envoltórias resistentes, por meio do cálculo direto ou com o uso de ábacos para flexão composta normal. Há, também, dois apêndices, um sobre a determinação dos diagramas momento fletor – força normal – curvatura para qualquer tipo de seção, e outro sobre obtenção dos diagramas de interação (Nu, Mu), construção de ábacos para flexão composta normal e definição da taxa mecânica de armadura ω, sem o uso de ábacos para concretos de classe até C50. Concluindo, este trabalho constitui uma bibliografia atualizada para o projeto de pilares seguros e economicamente viáveis, esclarecendo conceitos tais como momento fletor resistente, envoltórias solicitantes e resistentes e utilização das não linearidades nos métodos de dimensionamento. / The Brazilian Code ABNT NBR 6118:2014 – Design of concrete structures presents four methods for columns dimensioning, requiring the use of envelopment of moments when there is biaxial bending. Due to complexity, do not accurately consider physical nonlinearity, biaxial bending and local geometric imperfections. This work presents guidelines for the design of concrete rectangular columns with symmetrical reinforcement, subjected to biaxial bending, employing the minimum and resisting envelopment curves for the verification of the reinforcement. Analysis are made of how nonlinearities influence in the ultimate limit state of instability and how they should be considered in design methods. Two situations are indicated that can be critical for the pre-dimensioning of the reinforcement. Procedures are developed to determine the envelopment of acting moments, for each design method, as well as the envelopment of resisting moments by means of either direct method or use of abacuses for eccentrical compression. There is also two appendixes, one about the determination of the diagrams bending moment – normal force – curvature for any kind of section, and another one about getting interaction diagrams (Nu, Mu), construction of abacuses for eccentrical compression and definition of ω, the reinforcement mechanical rate, without the use of abacuses for C50 concrete class or below. In conclusion, this constitutes an updated bibliography for the safe and economically viable columns project, clarifying concepts such as resistant moment, envelopments of acting and resisting moments, and the use of nonlinearities in the design methods.

The response of wide flange steel columns subjected to constant axial loads and lateral blast loads was examined. The finite element program ABAQUS was used to model W8x40 sections with different slendernesses and boundary conditions. For the response calculations, a constant axial force was first applied to the column and the equilibrium state was determined. Next, a short duration, lateral blast load was applied and the response time history was calculated. Changes in displacement time histories and plastic hinge formations resulting from varying the axial load were examined. The cases studied include single-span and two-span columns. In addition to ideal boundary conditions, columns with linear elastic, rotational supports were also studied. Non-uniform blast loads were considered. Major axis, minor axis, and biaxial bending were investigated. The effects of strain rate and residual stresses were examined. The results for each column configuration are presented as a set of curves showing the critical blast impulse versus axial load. The critical blast impulse is defined as the impulse that either causes the column to collapse or to exceed the limiting deflection criterion. A major goal of this effort was to develop simplified design and analysis methods. To accomplish this, two single-degree-of-freedom approaches that include the effects of the axial load were derived. The first uses a bilinear resistance function that is similar to the one used for beam analysis. This approach provides a rough estimate of the critical impulse and is suitable only for preliminary design or quick vulnerability calculations. The second approach uses a nonlinear resistance function that accounts for the gradual yielding that occurs during the dynamic response. This approach can be easily implemented in a simple computer program or spreadsheet and provides close agreement with the results from the finite element method. / Ph. D.

Made available in DSpace on 2016-06-02T20:09:22Z (GMT). No. of bitstreams: 1 6700.pdf: 4829051 bytes, checksum: 3dedb697740d6ae886a30c2418c4d82a (MD5) Previous issue date: 2015-03-31 / Financiadora de Estudos e Projetos / In this paper, a free analysis program is presented for the verification of ultimate and serviceability limit states of reinforced or prestressed concrete sections with polygonal shape submitted to axial forces and biaxial bending. In addition, the program also calculates the bending-axial force-curvature relation (M, N, 1 / r) of the sections, which can be used in further analysis, for example, the general method for calculating pillars. For this is used the object-oriented programming, so that this work can be resumed and amended, providing technical material for future work in the same line, therefore provides that the calculation routines along with the program. The programming lines and routines includes explanations of its operation to encourage its further use as part of other programs. The data entry is presented as a form and the program enables the exchange of data, both input and output via text type files. The criteria adopted follows the brazilian standard ABNT NBR 6118: 2014, which compared to the previous version features suggestions for concrete with superior characteristic strength higher than 50 MPa. The structure of the routines is presented so that criteria of other standards, or updates of the same Brazilian standard referenced, can be easily implemented. Some validation examples for the program are presented in different situations and finally commented and listed some other extensions which can be made. / No presente trabalho, apresenta-se um programa livre e gratuito de análises e verificações de estados-limite último e de serviço de seções de concreto armado e protendido com forma poligonal submetidas à flexão composta oblíqua. Além disso, o programa calcula também a relação momento-normal-curvatura (M, N, 1/r) das seções, que pode ser usada em outras análises, como por exemplo, o método geral para o cálculo de pilares. Para isso se usa a programação orientada ao objeto, a fim de que o presente trabalho possa ser retomado e alterado, dando subsídio técnico para trabalhos futuros da mesma linha, por esse motivo fornece-se as rotinas de cálculo juntamente ao programa. As linhas e rotinas de cálculo constam com explicações de seu funcionamento para incentivar seu uso posterior como parte de outros programas. A entrada dos dados é feita de forma de formulário e o programa permite a troca de dados, tanto de entrada como de saída através de arquivos do tipo texto. Os critérios adotados seguem a norma brasileira ABNT NBR 6118:2014, que em relação à versão anterior apresenta sugestões para concretos com resistência superior a 50 MPa. A estrutura das rotinas é apresentada de maneira que critérios de outras normas, ou ainda atualizações da mesma norma brasileira referenciada, possam ser facilmente implementadas. Apresenta-se vários exemplos de validação do programa em diversas situações e finalmente comentadas e listadas as ampliações que podem ser feitas.

In der vorliegenden Arbeit wurden bruch- und schädigungsmechanische Eigenschaften keramischer Filterwerkstoffe, welche im Rahmen des SFB 920 entwickelt und erforscht werden, bestimmt. Es wurden zwei verschiedene Werkstoffsysteme - Aluminiumoxid und kohlenstoffgebundenes Alumniumoxid - mit entwickelten Miniaturprüfmethoden bei Prüftemperaturen bis 1500°C untersucht. Mit Hilfe des Ball-On-Three-Balls-Tests (B3B) wurde die biaxiale Festigkeit in Abhängigkeit der Prüftemperatur bestimmt. Für die kohlenstoffgebundenen Proben wurde weiterhin der Einfluss der Verkokungstemperatur als auch des Kohlenstoffgehalts auf die Festigkeit untersucht. Es konnte ein Festigkeitsmaximum ermittelt werden, wenn die Prüftemperatur der Verkokungstemperatur entspricht. Die schädigungsmechanischen Materialparameter des duktilen Verformungs- und Versagensverhalten beider Werkstoffe bei 1500°C wurden mit Hilfe von numerischen Simulationen des B3B identifiziert. Die Bestimmung der bruchmechanischen Kennwerte erfolgte mit einem Vier-Punkt-Biegeversuchsaufbaus mit Chevron-gekerbten Proben (CNB-Versuch). Numerische Untersuchungen dienten zur Bestätigung der Versuchsergebnisse und Bestimmung der Form der Rissfront sowie Risswachstum während des Versuches. / In the present work, fracture and damage mechanical properties of ceramic filter materials, which are developed and investigated within the framework of the CRC 920, are determined. Two different material systems - alumina and carbon-bonded alumina - are investigated using miniaturized test methods at temperatures up to 1500°C. The biaxial strength at different temperatures is determined using the Ball-On-Three-Balls-Test (B3B). The strength of carbon-bonded specimens is dependent on the coking temperature and the carbon content. A maximum strength can be obtained if the testing temperature equals the coking temperature. The damage-mechanical material parameters in order to describe the ductile deformation and failure behaviour of both materials at 1500°C are identified with the help of numerical simulations. The determination of fracture-mechanical properties are carried out with a four-point bending test setup with chevron-notched specimens (CNB). Numerical investigations are used to validate the test results and to simulate the shape of the crack front and crack growth during the experiment.

Η παρούσα διατριβή ανήκει στο γενικότερο θεματικό πεδίο της σεισμικής αποτίμησης, σχεδιασμού ή ανασχεδιασμού κατασκευών οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος με βάση τις μετακινήσεις. Οι σύγχρονες μέθοδοι αυτού του τύπου, στηρίζονται σε έλεγχο και σύγκριση της σεισμικής απαίτησης με την ικανότητα των μελών της κατασκευής σε όρους μετακινήσεων παρά σε όρους δυνάμεων. Δημιουργείται επομένως η ανάγκη για απλό και αξιόπιστο υπολογισμό της συμπεριφοράς μελών οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος σε κάμψη και διάτμηση, σε όρους μετακινήσεων. Το αντικείμενο της παρούσης διατριβής είναι η ανάπτυξη προσομοιωμάτων για τον υπολογισμό των βασικών χαρακτηριστικών της συμπεριφοράς καμπτόμενων μελών οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος και συγκεκριμένα: της ροπής διαρροής, της παραμόρφωσης στη διαρροή, της ενεργού δυσκαμψίας, της παραμόρφωσης στην αστοχία, της διατμητικής αντοχής σε ανακυκλιζόμενη φόρτιση, της αντοχής μελών με χαμηλό λόγο διάτμησης και της συμπεριφοράς υπό διαξονική καταπόνηση. Εξετάζονται μέλη διαφόρων τύπων και διαφορετικής διατομής, μέλη με ενίσχυση μανδύα οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος ή μανδύα σύνθετων υλικών, καθώς επίσης και μέλη με μάτιση του διαμήκους οπλισμού στην περιοχή πλαστικής άρθρωσης. Για την ανάπτυξη των προσομοιωμάτων, καθώς και για τον έλεγχο άλλων παλαιότερων, αναπτύχθηκε και αξιοποιήθηκε βάση πειραματικών δεδομένων μελών οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος με περισσότερα από 2800 πειράματα από τη διεθνή βιβλιογραφία. Για τον υπολογισμό της ροπής και της καμπυλότητας στη διαρροή, αναπτύσσονται απλές σχέσεις υπολογισμού, βασιζόμενες σε ανάλυση σε επίπεδο διατομής και καθορίζονται τα κατάλληλα κριτήρια διαρροής. Αναπτύσσονται ακολούθως σχέσεις υπολογισμού της παραμόρφωσης στη διαρροή, και συγκεκριμένα της γωνίας στροφής χορδής του μέλους στη διαρροή, θy, ως άθροισμα τριών όρων: καμπτικής παραμόρφωσης, διατμητικής παραμόρφωσης και παραμόρφωσης λόγω ολίσθησης των ράβδων διαμήκους οπλισμού από την περιοχή αγκύρωσης. Προτείνονται δε δύο εναλλακτικοί τρόποι υπολογισμού της ενεργού δυσκαμψίας, ένας θεωρητικός και ένας καθαρά εμπειρικός. Στη συνέχεια εξετάζεται η παραμόρφωση στην αστοχία και προτείνονται δύο εναλλακτικοί μέθοδοι υπολογισμού της γωνίας στροφής χορδής στην αστοχία, θu. Η 1η βασίζεται στον υπολογισμό της καμπυλότητας στην αστοχία, φu, με εφαρμογή του κατάλληλου προσομοιώματος περίσφιγξης του σκυροδέματος, και στην εφαρμογή της φu σε μήκος πλαστικής άρθρωσης ίσο με Lpl, ενώ η 2η σε καθαρά εμπειρικές εξισώσεις. Εξετάζεται ακολούθως η διατμητική αντοχή σε ανακυκλιζόμενη φόρτιση και προτείνονται προσομοιώματα για αστοχία σε διαγώνιο εφελκυσμό ή αστοχία σε λοξή θλίψη, μετά την καμπτική διαρροή. Στη συνέχεια εξετάζεται η συμπεριφορά μελών οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος υπό διαξονική καταπόνηση. Εξετάζονται επίσης μέλη με χαμηλό λόγο διάτμησης και προτείνονται νέα αντιπροσωπευτικότερα κριτήρια για τον χαρακτηρισμό ενός μέλους ως “κοντό μέλος”, καθώς και νέα μεθοδολογία υπολογισμού της αντοχής των μελών αυτών, με κατάλληλο συνδυασμό του προσομοιώματος των Shohara and Kato, 1981 και των Φαρδής και συνεργάτες 1998. Ακολούθως εξετάζονται μέλη ενισχυμένα με μανδύα σύνθετων υλικών και προτείνονται προσομοιώματα υπολογισμού της γωνίας στροφής χορδής στη διαρροή και την καμπτική αστοχία, καθώς και προσομοίωμα υπολογισμού της διατμητικής αντοχής. Στη συνέχεια εξετάζεται η συμπεριφορά μελών με μάτιση του διαμήκους οπλισμού στην περιοχή πλαστικής άρθρωσης, καθώς και η εφαρμογή μανδύα σύνθετων υλικών για την ενίσχυση της περιοχής αυτής. Τέλος εξετάζεται η συμπεριφορά στη διαρροή και στην αστοχία, μελών ενισχυμένων με μανδύα οπλισμένου σκυροδέματος. Η ανάπτυξη όλων των προτεινόμενων προσομοιωμάτων της διατριβής βασίζεται στην καλύτερη δυνατή συμφωνία με τα πειραματικά αποτελέσματα της βάσης δεδομένων, χωρίς όμως να θυσιάζεται η απλότητα και η ευχρηστία αυτών. / The present Thesis belongs in the general field of seismic assessment, design and redesign of concrete structures with displacement based procedures. Modern methods of this kind are based in controlling and comparing seismic demand with structural elements capacity in terms of displacements rather than forces. This leads in the need of estimating reinforced concrete elements performance under bending and shear, in terms of displacements. The object of the Thesis is development of models for calculating the basic performance characteristics of reinforced concrete elements under bending, in particular: yield moment, deformation at yielding, effective stiffness, deformation at ultimate, shear strength under cyclic loading, maximum strength of members with low shear ratio and behavior under biaxial loading. Members with various types of section and various characteristics are included, as also members retrofitted with FRP jacket or concrete jacket and members with lap-splice of longitudinal reinforcement in plastic hinge region. In order to develop new models and check older ones, a database of more than 2800 experiments from international literature on reinforced concrete elements was created and used here. Simple equations and procedures are suggested for calculating yield moment and corresponding curvature, based on section analysis, by specifying the appropriate yield criteria. Equations for calculating deformation at yielding, in particular chord rotation at yielding, θy as the sum of deformations due to bending, due to shear and due to slippage of longitudinal reinforcement from anchorage zone, are also developed. Calculation of effective stiffness is based on two alternative models, one theoretical and one purely empirical. Deformation at ultimate is then examined where two methods for calculating chord rotation at ultimate are suggested. 1st one is based on ultimate curvature, φu, where an appropriate concrete confinement model is used, and plastic hinge length Lpl, while 2nd one is based on purely empirical equations. Shear strength under cyclic loading is also examined and new models for calculating shear strength for shear tension and shear compression failure after flexural yield are developed. Behavior of reinforced concrete elements under biaxial loading is then examined. Elements with low shear ratio are also covered and new, more representative, criteria to characterize an element as a “short element” are suggested. A procedure based on an appropriate combination of Shohara and Kato 1981 model and Fardis et al. 1998 model is then suggested for calculating maximum strength of such “short elements”. Retrofitted members with FRP jacket are then examined and models for chord rotation at yielding and ultimate, as well as for shear strength are suggested. Behavior of members with lap-splice of longitudinal reinforcement inside plastic hinge region is then examined, including also retrofitting of this region with FRP jacket. Performance at yielding and ultimate of retrofitted members with concrete jacket is also examined. Development of all the suggested models of the Thesis is based on best fit with experimental results of the database, without sacrificing simplicity and applicability of the models.