Statistical analyses of strength of slender RC columns

Probabilistic analyses of the modeling errors of several selected strength prediction models for slender reinforced concrete (RC) columns are carried out. The selected strength models include the moment magnifier methods that are recommended in the ACI and CSA design codes and the stability-based th eoretical model. A relatively large amount of test data on slender RC colum ns is collected from the literature and the test results are compared with the ones obtained from different strength prediction models. Both normal- a nd high-strength concrete columns are included in this study. Probabilistic analyses of the modeling error include the use of pseudolikelihood estimat ion method. Analysis results suggest that the coefficient of variation of t he modeling error for slender RC columns can be as high as 20%, which is co nsiderably larger than those suggested and employed for reliability analysi s in the literature. The results also suggest that the modeling error for s lender RC columns depends on concrete compressive strength, the load eccent ricity, and the slenderness ratio. However, the effect of the slenderness r atio on the modeling error is negligible. Sets of probabilistic models of t he modeling errors by considering different strength models for slender RC columns are suggested.