Damage Mechanics Modeling of Nonlinear Seismic Behavior of Concrete Structures

Abstract

Performance-based design of structures is becoming the preferred seismic design method. Its use requires special numerical programs capable of predicting the performance of structures during a seismic event well into the nonlinear range. Seismic analysis results obtained from these programs depend on the types of elements and constitutive material laws used. For one type of element used, the results can be sensitive to the size of the elements. This paper presents a simplified finite-element analysis program based on multilayer elements and damage mechanics modeling of concrete behavior. A method to identify the various parameters required to define the behavior of the different materials is presented and some guidance on structural modeling using this type of program is provided. This program is used to predict the behavior of three different structures: overreinforced normal-strength concrete and high-strength concrete (HSC) beams tested monotonically, HSC columns tested under constant axial load and cyclic flexure, and bridge piers subjected to earthquake-type loading by the pseudodynamic test method. It is shown that predictions are in excellent agreement with experimental results.