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Cracked reinforced concrete in compression has been observed to exhibit lower strength and stiffness than uniaxially compressed concrete. The so‐called compression softening effect responsible is thought to be related to the degree of transverse cracking and straining present. It significantly influences the strength, ductility and load‐deformation response of a concrete element. A number of experimental investigations have been undertaken to determine the degree of softening that occurs, and the factors that influence it. At the same time, a number of diverse analytical models have been proposed by various researchers aimed at modeling this behavior. In this paper, a review is made of the experimental data available, of the various models proposed, and of the accuracy of the models in correlating to the test data. Based on new data, previously derived analytical models are updated. Parametric studies are made to investigate factors thought to influence the softening effect. As well, nonlinear finite element analyses of test panels are conducted to determine the relative significance of compression softening in accurately predicting behavior of reinforced‐concrete elements.
Vecchio et al. (Wed,) studied this question.