Moment-Curvature (M vs Phi) Tool Page 1 of 7

Moment-Curvature Tool (M vs Phi Diagram)

In this window, moment-curvature modelling can be performed. Moment-curvature modelling is an attempt to capture the true flexural behavior of a given section subjected
to an axial load (N) and bending moment (M). Results are generated for a range of bending moments (M), potentially from zero to failure - depending on the input strains.
These results can be used to: (1) estimate short term deflections accurately and (2) verify axial load and moment interaction diagrams. For more information on its uses, click
on Moment-Curvature Applications.

This powerful tool essentially performs a "plane sections analysis" of reinforced and prestressed concrete sections. Complex material modelling can be implemented
including tension stiffening of the concrete, concrete confinement behavior, strain hardening of the reinforcing bars, pre-tensioning, and effects of thermal or shrinkage
strains. With this tool, it is possible to model any section of various configurations in terms of reinforcing, prestressing (i.e. pre-tensioned bonded strands), and geometric
shape.

The moment curvature tool is based on the technical information provided in the textbook "Prestressed Concrete Basics" by Collins and Mitchell, 1987 (Canadian Prestressed
Concrete Institute, publisher).

Generating Moment Curvature Results

Step Description
1 Execute the moment-curvature Tool for a given section by clicking on the tool button, , or the menu item under the Results Menu. Based on the current
section, the program will generate the initial model automatically - defining the concrete and reinforcing bar layers, generating material properties, and
initializing various parameters. In Version 9.00, C-Shapes, T-Shapes, and L-Shapes are not supported but they can be generated manually using this tool.
2 The "Input" tab will be displayed first (see below). Here, adjustments can be made to the model like changing the material properties, adjusting the concrete
layers (changing the geometric configuration), adjusting rebar layers, adding prestressing tendon layers, etc. For detailed information on the input
parameters, click on Model Input Parameters.
3 After all adjustments, click on the command button "Analyze" to generate moment-curvature results. The program will automatically activate the "M vs Phi"
tab and display the moment-curvature results numerically. Other variables are displayed as well for reference purposes like the neutral axis depth and
maximum steel strain. The program will also generate the stress-strain diagrams for concrete, rebar, and tendons. To view them, click on the appropriate
tab. To display the results graphically, click on the command button "Plot". The results will be displayed graphically for the selected tab. For plot options,
click on Moment-Curvature or Stress-Strain Plot.
4 When completed, this model cannot be saved in the original S-CONCRETE section data file (*.SCO) because the model could be dramatically different than
the original section. Instead, you have the option to save the M-Phi model in a separate file (*.MCF) using the "Save to File" command button. You could
also retrieve the model using the "Load File" command button when you are using this tool. However, the units must be the same before loading a file. In
other words, if the current M-Phi model is in metric units, the units used to generate the *.MCF file must also be in metric units before loading the file;
otherwise, the program will not load the file.

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Moment-Curvature Applications

Moment-curvature results are used primarily for rotation and deflection estimation. If the stress-strain models used for the materials are accurate, the moment-curvature
results generated can also be reasonably accurate which, in turn, could lead to relatively accurate rotations and deflections for various loading conditions. The moment-
curvature tool can also be used to verify points on the axial load and moment interaction diagram for uniaxial bending conditions only.

Deflection and Rotation Estimation

From first principles, the angle, qab, between the tangents to the deflection curve at two points A and B is equal to the area of the curvature diagram between those points.
Furthermore, the offset, Dab, of point A from the tangent at point B is equal to the first moment of the area of the curvature diagram between points A and B, taken about
point A.

These principles can be applied to numerous situations to generate accurate results taking into consideration material non-linearity. Knowing the moment diagram, the
curvature diagram, f, can be determined. For linear elastic material, f = M / EI where EI = flexural stiffness of transformed section (approximately equal to EI of gross
section). For non-linear behavior, you will need the moment-curvature diagram which S-CONCRETE can generate. Using numerical integration, rotation and deflection can
be estimated. Two such examples are illustrated below. Note that if the simply supported girder is not symmetrically loaded, boundary conditions need to be evaluated to
determine the constants of integration (i.e. a more complex solution is required).

Axial Load and Moment Interaction Diagram Verification

Axial load and moment interaction diagrams display points that represent flexural failure - concrete crushing and steel yielding. These points are evaluated at different axial
load levels. On the other hand, a moment-curvature diagram represents flexural behavior of a given section from an applied moment of zero to failure at a specified axial
load. The maximum moment, M, on the moment-curvature diagram and the applied axial force of N represents a single point on the axial load and moment interaction
diagram (N, M). This is illustrated below for an I-Shaped wall using nominal capacities.

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When the program generates N vs M diagrams, it uses a stress-block approach for the concrete stresses at failure and assumes a concrete crushing strain of 0.003 for ACI or
0.0035 for CSA at the extreme compression fiber. A more accurate estimate of the capacity is generated using the moment-curvature tool as illustrated in the above diagram
because the program will apply a layered sectional analysis using fully defined stress-strain models for the concrete and steel. Tthe more accurate the stress-strain models and
the smaller the layers, the more accurate the results will become.

In the above example, the material resistance factors (fs and fc) are set equal to one and no strain hardening was included in the analysis. This will generate the so-called
"Nominal Capacity" of the section as defined in the N vs M diagrams. If strain hardening is included in the moment-curvature analysis, the results are considered as
"Probable Capacity" as defined in the N vs M diagrams. For N vs M diagrams, the probable capacity is based on the simple assumption that the strength of the reinforcing
bars will be 25% greater than the specified yield strength (fy) - assuming a bilinear stress-strain relationship. Since a more complex strain-strain model is used for the
reinforcing steel in moment-curvature diagrams, the results are likely to be more accurate. However, the benefits of strain hardening will not be realized unless the section
undergoes significant deformation. For lightly reinforced beams and shear walls subjected to relatively small compressive loads, reinforcing bars will likely undergo
significant deformation so strain hardening will likely occur. However, for normal rectangular columns with aspect ratios near unity, significant deformation is unlikely so
strain hardening is unlikely which, in turn, will only marginally increase the flexural capacity, if at all. Note that "max steel strain" is numerically displayed in the moment-
curvature results table to determine if strain hardening does in fact occur.

Moment-Curvature Model Input Parameters

Section Name and Material Properties

In this portion of the input spreadsheet, you can assign a section name, material resistance factors, concrete properties, reinforcing bar (rebar) properties, and prestressing
tendon properties. Concrete, rebar, and tendon properties are assigned to the various layers that make up the model.

Material Resistance Factors (fc, fs, fp)

These factors are applied to the respective material stresses - fc for concrete (fc'), fs for rebars (fy), fp for prestressing (fp). If you set these factors to unity, the results
generated will be an estimate of the "actual" behavior depending on your analysis options and material properties. For normal resistance in CSA-A23.3-04, fc = 0.65 or 0.70
(precast), fs = 0.85, and fp = 0.90. For normal resistance in ACI 318-05, fc = fs = fp = 0.90 for tension controlled sections.

Concrete Properties

A maximum of 5 concrete types may be defined. At least one concrete type must be defined and used in the concrete layers. Specifying a Creep Coefficient (Ct) is optional
because it is only used to evaluate the long term elastic modulus of the concrete (if "long term" is selected in the analysis parameters, see below). A parabolic stress-strain
model is utilized in the sectional analysis for compressive strains. A tension stiffening model by Vecchio and Collins (referenced below) is used for the tensile strains. The
parameters that define the behavior of the concrete are illustrated below where e'c = strain at fc', Ect = concrete modulus, fr = modulus of rupture.

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For more information on tension stiffening, refer to Vecchio and Collins, "The Modified Compression Field Theory for Reinforced Concrete Elements Subjected to Shear",
ACI Journal, Vol. 83, No. 2, March-April, 1986. In summary, tension stiffening is used to more accurately estimate load deformation behavior in flexural elements or beams.
Tensioning stiffening should not be used for strength evaluation. For concrete reinforced with rebar, Q1 = 1.0 and for concrete reinforced with bonded prestressing strands,
Q1 = 0.7 and for unreinforced concrete Q1 = 0 (no tension stiffening). Note that tension stiffening will only be applied if you selected "Yes" to tension stiffening in the
Analysis Parameters.

The effects of concrete confinement can also be introduced into the stress-strain model by increasing the concrete strength (fc') and the strain at which it occurs (ec'). The
level of increase will depend on the confinement model being used. An example of such a model is by Scott, Park, and Priestley, "Stress-Strain Behavior of Concrete
Confined by Overlapping Hoops at Low and High Strain Rates", ACI Journal, Proceedings V. 79, No. 1, 1982.

Rebar Properties

A maximum of 5 rebar types may be defined. At least one rebar type must be defined and used in the rebar layers (if any has been defined). Typically, the stress-strain
diagram for rebar is bilinear but the program has the capability to incorporate strain hardening into the model which is illustrated below. To include strain hardening, choose
"Include" in the analysis parameters for the strain hardening option (see below). The benefits of strain hardening will not be realized unless the section undergoes significant
deformation. For lightly reinforced beams and shear walls subjected to relatively small compressive loads, reinforcing bars will likely undergo significant deformation so
strain hardening will likely occur. However, for normal rectangular columns with aspect ratios near unity, significant deformation is unlikely so strain hardening is unlikely
which, in turn, will only marginally increase the flexural capacity, if at all.

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Tendon Properties

A maximum of 5 tendon types may be defined. At least one tendon type must be defined and used in the tendon layers (if any has been defined). The modified Ramberg-
Osgood function is used as the stress-strain model for the prestressing tendons (as shown below).

For low-relaxation strands, A = 0.025, B = 118, and C = 10. Specifying a "Relaxation" percentage is optional because it is only used to evaluate the long term elastic modulus
of the tendons (if "long term" is selected in the analysis parameters, see below).

Rupture Strains

For sections undergoing significant deformations, reinforcing or prestressing strands may rupture before the concrete crushes - depending on the section configuration and
reinforcing. Specifying reasonable rupture strains for reinforcing bars (rebar) and prestressing (short term and long term) may generate results that better reflect the true
behavior of the section.

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Concrete, Rebar, and Tendon Layers

The section is divided up into three types of layers - concrete, reinforcing bars, and tendons. The section must have at least 5 concrete layers. At least one rebar or tendon
layer must be defined to generate reasonable results.

Concrete Layers

A maximum of 25 concrete layers may be defined. A minimum of 5 layers must be defined. Since these layers will not be subdivided any further internally, it is
recommended that all 25 layers be used or close to the limit for better accuracy. For each layer, you will need to specify: layer type, distance (Yi) from the bottom of the
section to the bottom of the layer, width of the layer (Bi), height of the layer (Hi), and material type (see concrete properties above). There are three types of concrete layers:
rectangle, inverted triangle, and triangle. These layers are illustrated below in an example. The overall section height (H) also needs to be specified and the location of the
applied moment and axial load ('M' axis), typically the distance measure w.r.t to the bottom to the center of gravity of the section. Thermal or shrinkage strains can also be
specified for each layer (positive strain = expansion, negative strain = contraction or shrinkage). Such strains will only be incorporated into the analysis if you choose to
"Include" them as analysis parameters. Shrinkage strains should be specified if you wish to generate long term moment curvature results.

Rebar or Tendon Layers

A maximum of 25 rebar and/or tendon layers may be defined. At least one rebar or tendon layer should be specified to generate reasonable results. For each layer, you will
need to specify: distance (Yi) from the bottom of the section to the centroid of the rebar or tendon layer, cross sectional area of the layer, and material type (see rebar or
tendon properties). Thermal strains can also be specified (positive strain = expansion). Such strains will only be incorporated into the analysis if you choose to "Include"
them as analysis parameters. For tendons (or pre-tensioned strands), you will also need to specify the prestrain (Dep, see equation below).

Refer to the Canadian Precast/Prestressed Concrete Institute (CPCI) Design Manual, 4th Edition 2007 (pg 3-25), for a description of the above parameters.

Analysis Parameters
Parameter Description
N Applied axial load located at the center of gravity. Positive for tension and Negative for compression.
Tension Stiffening Include effects of tension stiffening (if applicable). Yes or No.
Keep the specified strain (see "M vs Phi Strains" below) constant at the "Top" of the section or at the "Bottom" of the section. If
the specified strain is kept constant at the top of the section, the moment generated is generally considered as a "positive moment"
Strain Constant
using typical engineering convention. Similarly, if the specified strain is kept constant at the bottom of the section, the moment
generated is generally considered as a "negative moment".
Generate moment-curvature results for the "Short Term" or "Long Term". If long term results are requested, the program will
modify the elastic moduli for concrete and for tendons taking into account the effects of creep and shrinkage in concrete and
relaxation in tendons.

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Term

Generate moment-curvature results that "Include" specified thermal or shrinkage strains or "Include (LT)" them when the term is
Thermal or Shrinkage Strains
"Long Term" only.
Generate moment-curvature results that "Include" the effects of strain hardening in reinforcing bars (rebar), if applicable. See
Strain Hardening
"Rebar Properties" above for more information on strain hardening.

"M vs Phi Strains"

The program will peform a plane sectional analysis assuming concrete strains vary linearly over the depth of the section. For a given axial load applied at the center of
gravity and a specified strain at the top or bottom of the section (which is kept constant), the program will determine, using an iterative procedure, the value of the other strain
located at the bottom or top is computed such that equilibrium is maintained (i.e. forces in the concrete/rebar/tendons equals the applied axial load). Knowing the strains at
the top and bottom, the applied moment and curvature can be computed. Depending on the value of the specified strain, the moment and curvature values generated may vary
from a lightly loaded section to failure. Under certain conditions, the iterative procedure may fail and not even find a solution for a given strain (e.g. axial load applied is
greater than the axial load capacity).

To generate a reasonable "M vs Phi" plot, it is recommended that you specify at least 20 strains and use a wide range of strain values (from zero to a value greater than the
code concrete crushing strain, e.g. -0.003 for ACI 318). If the effects of strain hardening and concrete confinement are included in the analysis, the maximum specified strain
could go well beyond the code crushing strain.

Moment-Curvature (M vs Phi) or Stress-Strain Plot Options

Print to send the plot directly to the printer

Grids to show the Grid Lines
Legend to display the Legend or reset the location of the Legend
Points to display the Points (as dots on the curve)

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