Techno Press
Techno Press

Earthquakes and Structures
  Volume 18, Number 5, May 2020 , pages 555-565
DOI: https://doi.org/10.12989/eas.2020.18.5.555
 


The effect of finite element modeling assumptions on collapse capacity of an RC frame building
Saeed Ghaemian, Ziya Muderrisoglu and Ufuk Yazgan

 
Abstract
    The main objective of seismic codes is to prevent structural collapse and ensure life safety. Collapse probability of a structure is usually assessed by making a series of analytical model assumptions. This paper investigates the effect of finite element modeling (FEM) assumptions on the estimated collapse capacity of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame building and points out the modeling limitations. Widely used element formulations and hysteresis models are considered in the analysis. A full-scale, three-story RC frame building was utilized as the experimental model. Alternative finite element models are established by adopting a range of different modeling strategies. Using each model, the collapse capacity of the structure is evaluated via Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA). Results indicate that the analytically estimated collapse capacities are significantly sensitive to the utilized modeling approaches. Furthermore, results also show that models that represent stiffness degradation lead to a better correlation between the actual and analytical responses. Results of this study are expected to be useful for in developing proper models for assessing the collapse probability of RC frame structures
 
Key Words
    time history analyses; collapse capacity; incremental dynamic analysis (IDA); RC buildings
 
Address
Saeed Ghaemian: Department of Earthquake Engineering, Earthquake Engineering and Disaster Management Institute,
Istanbul Technical University, Istanbul, Turkey
Ziya Muderrisoglu : Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey
Ufuk Yazgan: Department of Civil Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and Architecture, Beykent University, Istanbul, Turkey
 

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