Performance of reinforced concrete columns under bi-axial lateral force/displacement and axial load

•The fiber-based model was used to simulate the behavior of RC columns.•The accuracy of the results was validated against experimental data.•Effect of loading paths was assessed on the flexural strength and energy dissipation of column.

Accurate and realistic assessment of the performance of columns in general and those in critical locations that may cause progressive failure of the entire structure, in particular, is significantly important. This performance is affected by the load history, pattern and intensity. Current design code does not consider the effect of load pattern on the load and displacement capacity of columns. In the study reported here, monotonic material models, cyclic rule, and plastic hinge models have been utilized in a fiber-based analytical procedure, validated against experimental data. Comparison of the analytical predictions and experimental data, through moment–curvature and force–deflection analyses, confirmed the accuracy and validity of the analytical algorithm and models. The analytical model was then used in a parametric study considering the effects of axial load variation and lateral force/displacement paths on the flexural strength and energy dissipation capacity of reinforced concrete columns.