Font Size: 

A consistent constitutive model for two-dimensional nonlinear analysis ofreinforced concrete structures is presented. The model is able to describe the behaviorin uncracked stage, as well as in singly and doubly cracked stages. By schematizing thebehavior of concrete and reinforcement between adjacent cracks as that of two springsworking in parallel, while these and the phenomena which are generated in crack (astension stiffening, dowel action, aggregate interlock, etc.) as springs working in series,secant stiffness matrix is obtained in direct mode. The reliability and capability of theproposed constitutive model are proved by analyzing results of well-known tests onplane stress elements, with particular reference to those which collapse when secondarycrack forms.