Model of damage for RC elements subjected to biaxial bending

This paper describes the modeling of the biaxial bending of RC frames within a new framework called lumped damage mechanics (LDM). In this alternative approach, the models are based on the methods of fracture mechanics and the concept of plastic hinge. LDM can be considered as a branch of fracture mechanics for framed structures. LDM integrates concepts such as plastic hinge, damage variable, energy release rate, deformation equivalence hypothesis and RC standard theory. In order to validate the model, some numerical simulations of tests reported in the literature are presented. A good agreement between tests and model can be observed. (C) 2002 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.