Seismic performance of common reinforced concrete moment resisting frame structures

Abstract

This paper investigates the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) moment resisting frame structures designed according to current codes and located in medium seismicity regions. To this end, a series of experimental and analytical studies are conducted on representative prototypes. First, several prototype buildings are designed and from one of them, a portion of the structure with one bay and a half, and one story and a half is selected. By applying scaling factors of 2/5, 1 and 1, for geometry, stress and acceleration, respectively, a test structure is defined. The test structure is constructed and tested with the 3x3m 2 shaking table of the Laboratory of Dynamics at the University of Granada. It is subjected to several seismic simulations of increasing intensity up to collapse. Results from these tests are used to validate/modify empirical equations proposed in the literature for predicting relevant aspects of the capacity of this type of structures such as the ultimate rotation of the plastic hinges. Second, several numerical models are developed and calibrated with the results from shake table tests. Third, nonlinear time history analysis are performed to evaluate the system seismic response. Finally, a probabilistic methodology is used that takes into account inherent uncertainties in the ground motion, computer models, and damage estimates. As a result of this research a quantitative and qualitative basis is provided for the assessment of the seismic performance under the design earthquake of a good deal of recent low-rise buildings constructed in Mediterranean countries in the last decade. Results serve to compute damage and loss analysis in the building components.