Concrete shrinkage effect on the behavior of RC columns under monotonic and cyclic loading

The effect of concrete shrinkage on the behavior of reinforced concrete columns subjected to monotonic and cyclic loading is investigated in this study using the finite element method. Concrete shrinkage is simulated by imposing a volumetric strain on the concrete element. The effect of concrete shrinkage is found to be of major importance for the accurate prediction of the behavior of reinforced concrete columns. Simulating of concrete shrinkage results in a reduction of the stiffness and strength of the columns. This reduction is found to be more important for large values of axial load and rectangular columns.

Research highlights
► Concrete shrinkage influences the behavior of RC columns.
► Reinforcement restraints to shrinkage and induces tensile stresses to the concrete.
► Concrete strength is reduced due to biaxial stresses induced by shrinkage.
► Stiffness and strength of RC columns is reduced due to shrinkage.
► Axial load, reinforcement and dimensions of columns affect the shrinkage impact.