Torsional strength model of reinforced concrete members subjected to combined loads

This study aims at developing a torsional strength model based on a nonlinear analysis method presented in the previous studies. To this end, flexural neutral axis depth of a reinforced concrete section and effective thickness of an idealized thin-walled tube were formulated based on reasonable approximations. In addition, various sectional force components, such as shear, flexure, axial compression, and torsional moment, were considered in estimating torsional strength by addressing a simple and linear strain profile. Existing test results were collected from literature for verifications by comparing with those estimated from the proposed model. On this basis, it can be confirmed that the proposed model can evaluate the torsional strength of RC members subjected to combined loads with a good level of accuracy, and it also well captured inter-related mechanisms between shear, bending moment, axial compression, and torsion.