Abstract: During a strong earthquake, a reinforced concrete frame can have a non-linear behavior due to the cracking of the concrete on specific locations. This phenomenon is characterized for instance in columns, by a non-symmetric distribution of the vertical strain at the plastic hinge regions. This strain causes a certain elongation of the members, which enables the structure to have an elevation. This behavior could be assimilated to the rocking structures’ one. Rocking structures are the structures, which can rock on their foundation, because they are not fixed to the ground. They have a good resistance against earthquake. In this paper, the elevation of a one-story reinforced concrete frame structure is studied. By using the finite element analysis software Abaqus, a pushover simulation is performed on a reinforced concrete frame, designed to be ductile according to the Eurocode. In the analysis, the global displacement of the top part of the frame is examined. Also in the columns, the vertical strain along the axis and the distribution of the vertical strain along the section are studied. As a result, it is shown that the frame has some significant elevation behavior, only when the structure yields. Also, during the pushover, the elongation of the columns does not decrease. This phenomenon could be explained by the important variation of the vertical strain in the plastic hinge of the columns.
Keywords: reinforced concrete frame structure, rocking structure, finite element analysis and pushover analysis.
Title: Finite Element Analysis on Rocking Component of Cyclic Deformation of an Aseismic Reinforced Concrete Frame
Author: Soichiro Hirasawa, Xiaozu Su
International Journal of Civil and Structural Engineering Research
ISSN 2348-7607 (Online)
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