Validation of numerical models for RC columns subjected to cyclic load

Abstract

The paper presents results from numerical analyses of reinforced concrete (RC) elements subjected to cyclic load. Many nonlinear numerical models have been proposed in literature to capture the cyclic behaviour of reinforced concrete (RC) elements. Depending on the expected level of accuracy and computational efficiency, numerical models employ different assumptions. These assumptions ultimately affect the stiffness, strength, energy dissipation capacities and hysteretic behaviours such as strength/stiffness degradation and pinching. All of these sensitively affect the dynamic response of a structure subjected to seismic load. The objective of this work is to investigate the effects of adopted numerical models on predicted seismic performances of RC structures. Three numerical elements that are widely used in research and practice are employed; fiber element in OpenSees, frame element in VecTor5, and continuum element in VecTor2. In an element level, the behaviour responses of the different numerical models are closely compared. A few representative experimental results from PEER Column Test Database are used to investigate the accuracy of each numerical model depending on the shear demand/capacity ratio of the columns. The paper concludes with a suggestion for the applicability of different numerical models for the seismic performance assessment.