Abstract
Reinforced concrete beams subjected to various cyclic loadings are investigated by using nonlinear FEM analysis in order to clarify the characteristics of energy absorption. And a few considerations are obtained. 1. The energy absorption which is obtained within the maximum deformation experienced so far under cyclic loading is quite different from that obtained beyond the former maximum deformation. 2. The energy absorption which is obtained beyond the former maximum deformation under cyclic loading is very similar to that obtained under monotonic loading. A method for evaluating structural damage in reinforced concrete members under arbitrary cyclic loading is proposed on the basis of the analysis, where it is assumed that the energy which is absorbed by concrete is closely connected with the damage of reinforced concrete members.
