Models for Simulating the Seismic Response of Concrete Structures - Dynamic Behavior of Concrete and Seismic Engineering - page 233

Chapter 7
Models for Simulating the Seismic
Response of Concrete Structures
7.1. Introduction
This chapter will present the principles of the mode most frequently used for the
simulation of the collapse behavior of reinforced concrete structures subjected to
seismic loading. Non-linear calculation methods have proved their utility for the
preparation and interpretation of dynamic, pseudo-dynamic and static tests on
shaking tables and reaction walls, but now they are starting to be used to validate
certain design rules, as well as for the seismic reassessment of existing structures
which are more vulnerable to earthquakes.
The quality of this type of modeling, which is not currently regulated, depends
on numerous factors. Thus, these models should take into account:
- the material effects, which may give rise to local non-linearities;
- the structural effects (mass distribution and behavior of the bonds);
- the environmental effects (support-structure interaction).
Within this context, two aspects affect the modeling, i.e. the structure
discretization and the local behaviors of the materials and “interfaces”, either