Analysis of RC Buildings by Metamodel Approaches

Abstract

Response of RC structures is very complex and dynamic in nature because of the vulnerabilities that exist in geometry, material properties and loading. To represent the random dynamic responses accurately, stochastic analysis is chosen here. The stochastic analysis can be done by two types of methods, like statistical and the non-statistical approaches. In non-statistical approach a relationship is developed between the input and random output or responses. Computationally efficient, simplified methods are required as an alternative to Monte–Carlo simulation which is considered as an accurate method for stochastic analysis. The present study is an evaluation of the different non-statistical metamodel-based approaches such as high-dimensional model representation and using design of experiments approaches like central composite design, Box–Behnken design and full factorial design for the representation of the response surface. The effectiveness of high-dimensional model representation over conventional response surface metamodel approaches is discussed in the present study with regard to two contexts, namely free vibration response and nonlinear time history responses of RC frames. The seismic fragilities obtained using high-dimensional model representation are compared with established metamodel approaches for effectiveness and computational efficiency. It is found that the use of high-dimensional model representation yields fairly accurate results with even less computational effort.