Numerical modelling of reinforced‐concrete structures under seismic loading based on the finite element method with discrete inter‐element cracks

Abstract

SummaryThe behaviour of the earthquake excitated reinforced concrete (RC) structures up to the collapse, previously designed according to the prescriptions of Eurocode 8 cannot be fully predetermined because of the diversity of the nature of the earthquake. Thus, one needs to make a judicious choice between the two ductility classes balancing between the desired response of the structure, dimension of structural elements, costs and complexity of the design and construction. Powerful numerical models stand as significant tools to obtain more insight into the peculiarity of each structure. This paper presents a numerical model for dynamic analysis and prediction of the collapse of RC structures under the seismic loading based on finite discrete element method. The model includes several numerical algorithms which are essential for realistic description of highly non‐linear effects of these structures: cyclic crack opening‐closing mechanism based on discrete cracks, interaction between the reinforcement and concrete taken by steel strain‐slip relation, the influence of adjacent cracks to the slip of reinforcing bar, local slip of reinforcing bar because of a high plastic deformation under reversed cyclic loading, the influence of the curvature of reinforcing bar to yield stress reduction of the steel and cyclic behaviour of concrete and steel. Performance of the model was demonstrated through incremental dynamic analysis of RC wall, previously designed according to the Eurocode 8 for medium and high ductility classes. The presented results demonstrated the ability of the model for simulation of the crack patterns and collapse of these structures. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.