Ultimate-Load Behavior of RC Structural Systems Designed according to Eurocodes

Abstract

AbstractVarious circumstances influence the behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) structures, some of which may increase the risk of a brittle failure for the whole system caused by shear forces. This paper presents a wide probabilistic investigation on the ultimate load behavior of RC structural systems designed according to Eurocodes. A full probabilistic model is derived and different structural systems are studied through material and geometric nonlinear analysis via Monte Carlo simulations. The resistance model is consistent with a current Eurocode and considers different failure modes (axial, bending, and shear). Results show that the ultimate failure load of RC structural systems designed according to Eurocodes may vary depending on the combination of three factors: (1) structural configuration; (2) load distribution; and (3) number of stirrups.