The estimation of the initial stiffness of columns subjected to seismic loadings has long been a matter of considerable uncertainty. This paper reports a study that is devoted to addressing this uncertainty by developing a rational method to determine the initial stiffness of RC columns when subjected to seismic loads. A comprehensive parametric study based on a proposed method is initially carried out to investigate the influences of several critical parameters. A simple equation is then proposed to estimate the initial stiffness of RC columns. The applicability and accuracy of the proposed method and equation are then verified with the experimental data obtained from literature studies.
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