Performance evaluation of a RC frame structure from element level to structure level

Abstract

Ductility is an important design parameter which controls the flow of plasticity in a structure to improve the ability to sustain severe load with nonlinear deformation. In the present study, the flow of ductility from element level to structure level has been assessed. For the study purpose, a RC frame structure has been considered and the displacement ductility capacity of the frame has been evaluated from the best possible combinations of curvature and rotation ductility capacity of beams and columns. To generate the capacity curve of the structure, nonlinear static pushover analysis has been performed. It has been observed that the variation of section ductility of the column is more significant with diameter and spacing of the transverse reinforcement bar than the same for beam section. A reduction of structural ductility has been observed as compared to the element ductility which needs more detailing requirement for the fulfillment.