Numerical models to simulate the seismic response of RC structures

Abstract

Seismic analysis of RC structures requires realistic and simple analytical models. In this paper are presented two models proposed and implemented in the program PORANL, to represent the RC buildings behaviour under severe earthquake loading. The first model represents the influence of infill walls in the global building response, and the second model represents the non-linear shear behaviour of RC elements. The masonry infill walls are commonly used as non-structural components. It is highly recognized that the response of RC buildings to earthquake loads can be substantially affected by the influence of infill walls. The proposed numerical non-linear model for the masonry infill walls is an upgrade of the commonly used equivalent bi-diagonal compression strut model. The response of RC elements to earthquake loads can be controlled by bending or shear behaviour, depending on the geometrical characteristics of the elements and on the reinforcement detailing. To represent the shear behaviour, in elements where shear is not negligible, it was developed and implemented in the PORANL a non-linear shear model. Finally, in this paper are presented and discussed the results of a set of numerical calibration analyses based on tests on full-scale frames.