2. Benchmark solution

The reference solution is given by experimental results, acquired on the test called test QJ5TC, provided in [1]. Based on the force-deformation cycles measured on average on the column, we identify, see Figure 1:

• a range of deformations between -0.002 and 0.003, i.e. not causing general plastic deformations of the steels in view of the characteristics of the steel, except potentially locally when cracks pass through,

• an equivalent elastic axial stiffness of \(\mathrm{743,7}\mathit{MN}\),

• an equivalent axial post-damage tensile stiffness of \(\mathrm{120,1}\mathit{MN}\), i.e. a ratio between the two of \(\mathrm{0,161}\).

2.1. Bibliographical references

1. BENMANSOUR M.B. Modeling the alternating cyclic behavior of reinforced concrete. Application to various static column tests. Doctoral thesis from the École Nationale des Ponts et Chaussés. January 6, 1997.