The Effect of Axial Force Variations on Nonlinear Modeling and Seismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Structures

In order to increase the accuracy of evaluating seismic response of structures, it is critical to conduct dynamic analyses based upon precise nonlinear models being as consistent as possible with the real conditions of corresponding structures. The concentrated plasticity model including one elastic element and two nonlinear spring elements at both ends has been considered within the research community for simulating beams and columns, counting the effect of strength and stiffness degradation. In this type of simulation, the axial force ratio generated in each structural component, which is a major factor in introducing nonlinear springs, has always been considered constant in the literature. The main objective of the present research is, therefore, to modify the fundamental weakness in this type of modeling approach; indeed, any variation of element’s axial effort, owing to redistribution of axial forces during an earthquake, is applied in the calculation of parameters of the concentrated plasticity model as a decisive step toward the development of nonlinear dynamic analysis. Moreover, an algorithm is presented for implementing this approach in the OpenSees software. Verification is established and the efficiency of the proposed method is illustrated through a reinforced concrete moment frame subjected to a specific record, as a case study building. Regarding the results, it is confirmed that the proposed algorithm is an appropriate tool for achieving quite a realistic nonlinear model and estimating reasonably accurate responses of structural systems with cyclic degrading behavior under earthquake loading.