Significance of modeling techniques in pushover analysis of RC buildings

Abstract

The study presented here focuses on the effectiveness of the models adopted for the nonlinear static pushover (NSP) analysis and providing the best model that can predict the nonlinear response of RC buildings with sufficient accuracy with respect to the experimentally obtained results. NSP analysis considers material nonlinearity and is an effective tool to evaluate the performance of the structure under lateral seismic loads. However, the actual test data in order to verify the results of NSP analysis are very rare for RC structures, which are analytically sensitive to the models and procedure adopted by the analyzer. Under the present work three cases of geometric models; a) Frame with beamcolumn elements, b) Frame with beam-column elements and slabs modelled as a rigid diaphragm and c) Frame with beam-column elements and slabs modelled as shell element considering concrete as confined and unconfined were analyzed. Comparision of analytical curve with the experimental pushover curve, clearly suggests that frame modelled as confined beam-column elements and slabs modelled as a rigid diaphragm gives closer results. 2010 CAFET-INNOVA TECHNICAL SOCIETY. All rights reserved.