This paper presents the results of numerical simulations on three main factors and their influence on the buckling resistance of reinforcing bars and on their behaviour in the range of postcritical deformations. These three factors are the shape of initial deformation, the amplitude of geometric imperfection and the slenderness of bars. The analysis was made of bars fixed on both sides for three initial shapes of deformation between adjacent stirrups, four amplitudes of geometric imperfections and eight bar slendernesses. The results of the numerical analyses carried out showed that the factors analysed have a very high influence on the inelastic buckling of the bars. The initial deformation shape, the radius of curvature and the slenderness of the bars have a significant influence on the buckling resistance of these bars and their longitudinal and transverse deformations. The research demonstrates that bars which are bent or compressed initially have a smaller resistance to buckling compared to straight bars, as the amplitude of geometric imperfections increases and the slenderness of the members increases. However, for the deformation shape of the bars, which is accompanied by shear forces, the drop in the buckling resistance of the members is small, and resistance to buckling for items with a small slenderness was higher than that of straight bars.
Keywords: buckling resistance; deformed shape; geometric imperfection; inelastic buckling; reinforcing bars; slenderness ratio.