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Effects of numerical modeling simplification on seismic design of buildings

Research Authors
Shehata E Abdel Raheem, Mohamed Omar, Ahmed K Abdel Zaher and Ahmed M Taha
Research Department
Research Year
2018
Research Journal
Coupled Systems Mechanics
Research Publisher
Techno-Press
Research Vol
Vol. 7 - No. 6
Research Rank
1
Research_Pages
731-753
Research Website
http://dx.doi.org/10.12989/csm.2018.7.6.731
Research Abstract

The recent seismic events have led to concerns on safety and vulnerability of Reinforced Concrete Moment Resisting Frame "RC-MRF" buildings. The seismic design demands are greatly dependent on the computational tools, the inherent assumptions and approximations introduced in the modeling process. Thus, it is essential to assess the relative importance of implementing different modeling approaches and investigate the computed response sensitivity to the corresponding modeling assumptions. Many parameters and assumptions are to be justified for generation effective and accurate structural models of RC-MRF buildings to simulate the lateral response and evaluate seismic design demands. So, the present study aims to develop reliable finite element model through many refinements in modeling the various structural components. The effect of finite element modeling assumptions, analysis methods and code provisions on seismic response demands for the structural design of RC-MRF buildings are investigated. where, a series of three-dimensional finite element models were created to study various approaches to quantitatively improve the accuracy of FE models of symmetric buildings located in active seismic zones. It is shown from results of the comparative analyses that the use of a calibrated frame model which was made up of line elements featuring rigid offsets manages to provide estimates that match best with estimates obtained from a much more rigorous modeling approach involving the use of shell elements.