Data-based equations for damage evaluation of reinforced concrete columns with square cross sections

This study aims to develop simple equations for assessing the damage of reinforced concrete (RC) columns subjected to seismic loading. A fiber element model in OpenSees, validated against experimental data, was used to generate a large dataset of 56548 data values for various RC columns. The Monte Carlo Hierarchical Adaptive Random Partitioning (MC-HARP) strategy was then applied to evaluate the sufficiency of the dataset and propose reliable equations for estimating the residual displacement ratio (RDR), damage index (DI), and residual curvature of RC columns under given displacement demands. A relationship between these parameters and the structural performance levels was also established. Residual displacement is a practical measure that can be observed in the field after an earthquake. The proposed equations facilitate the determination of the performance level of the structure after an earthquake event. The findings of this paper can also be used in designing new structures within a performance-based seismic design (PBSD) context.