The influence of different safety formats proposed by Eurocode 2 on the deformability and design of slender structural elements

This paper provides new information about the differences between the two methodologies proposed by Eurocode 2 (EC2) for the nonlinear analysis of concrete structures. Proceeding from the evaluation of the second-order effects on a structural element, the results of a parametric study on isolated columns are compared, using a nonlinear analysis program especially developed for this kind of structure. Subsequently, the outcomes from the application of each safety format are contrasted in analysing the lateral deformability of the structure. In addition, an ultimate limit states design of the required cross-section mechanical reinforcement for each safety format leads to some comments about the influence of these procedures on structural design and assessment.