Nonlinear dynamic analysis of RC frames using cyclic moment-curvature relation

Abstract

Nonlinear dynamic analysis of a reinforced concrete (RC) frame under earthquake loading is performed in this paper on the basis of a hysteretic moment-curvature relation. Unlike previous analytical moment-curvature relations which take into account the flexural deformation only with the perfect-bond assumption, by introducing an equivalent flexural stiffness, the proposed relation considers the rigid-body-motion due to anchorage slip at the fixed end, which accounts for more than 50% of the total deformation. The advantage of the proposed relation, compared with both the layered section approach and the multi-component model, may be the ease of its application to a complex structure composed of many elements and on the reduction in calculation time and memory space. Describing the structural response more exactly becomes possible through the use of curved unloading and reloading branches inferred from the stress-strain relation of steel and consideration of the pinching effect caused by axial force. Finally, the applicability of the proposed model to the nonlinear dynamic analysis of RC structures is established through correlation studies between analytical and experimental results.