15

CHAPTER 3

EXAMPLE 2 - Moment-Curvature
Analysis of a Reinforced
Concrete Section
This next example covers the moment-curvature analysis of a reinforced concrete section. The
zero-length element with a fiber discretization of the cross section is used in the model. In
addition, Tcl language features such as variable and command substitution, expression
evaluation, and procedures are demonstrated.

In this example, a moment-curvature analysis of the fiber section is undertaken.

Figure~\ref{rcsection4} shows the fiber discretization for the section.

Files Required
 Example2.1.tcl (http://peer.berkeley.edu/~silvia/OpenSees/TCLfiles/Example2.1.tcl)
 MomentCurvature.tcl
(http://peer.berkeley.edu/~silvia/OpenSees/TCLfiles/MomentCurvature.tcl)

Model
The model consists of two nodes and a ZeroLengthSection element. A depiction of the element
geometry is shown in the figure . The drawing on the left of the figure shows an edge view of the
element where the local z-axis, as seen on the right side of the figure and in
figure~\ref{rcsection0}, is coming out of the page. Node 1 is completely restrained, while the
applied loads act on node 2. A compressive axial load, P, of 180 kips is applied to the section
during the moment-curvature analysis.