This　paper　presents　a　smooth　hysteresis　model　for　reinforced　concrete　(RC)　structural　elements　based　on　the　differential　equation　of　the　Bouc–Wen　model.　Stiffness　degradation　and　strength　degradation　are　defined　by　introducing　a　damage　index　that　includes　both　dissipated　energy　and　maximum　displacement.　The　pinching　effect　acts　directly　on　the　stiffness　of　the　system　and　is　controlled　by　an　activation　energy.　The　degrading　functions　are　connected　to　the　actual　processes　with　which　the　damage　occurs,　thereby　giving　each　parameter　a　physical　meaning.　The　simple　formulation　of　the　model　allows　a　straightforward　identification　of　the　best-fitting　parameters　and　an　easy　interpretation　of　the　results.　Applications　to　the　cyclic　behaviour　of　RC　structural　elements　demonstrate　that　the　model　is　well　capable　of　describing　complex　hysteretic　behaviours　involving　degradation　and　pinching　effects.　©　2019,　©　2019　Informa　UK　Limited,　trading　as　Taylor　&　Francis　Group.