The characteristics of 2D and 3D modelling approach in calibration of reinforced concrete frames cyclic behaviour

Abstract

A 3D FE micromodel of a bare RC frame was developed. The model is based on validated 2D micromodel. The 3D model obtained higher response when compared to its 2D counterpart. Consequently, a calibration of the frame was initiated. Calibration involved modifying parameters that govern the plastic behaviour of the computational model, such as fracture energy, plastic displacement and direction of plastic flow. It was shown that the greatest effect in lowering the response had the direction of plastic flow. Plastic flow direction was selected as -0.1 as it has greatest correlation with the experimental data. Negative value denotes that material volume will decrease due to crushing.