Validation of ACI 369.1 Code Nonlinear Modeling Parameters Using Non-Ductile Reinforced Concrete Building

This study evaluates the accuracy of building performance metrics calculated with nonlinear numerical models created based on the provisions in the ASCE 41 and ACI 369.1 standards. The evalua-tion was based on a seven-story non-ductile reinforced concrete building located in Van Nuys, CA, instrumented and severely damaged during the 1994 Northridge Earthquake. The purpose of the evaluation is to validate the computed system-level response of nonlinear models created with modeling parameters in ASCE 41/ ACI 369.1. The study also evaluates the effect of Rayleigh damping parameters and joint modeling approach on the accuracy of building performance metrics. It was found that ASCE 41/ACI 369.1 models provided a reasonable representation of building response, with error indexes for displacement signals ranging between 0.28 and 0.40, although the error range was higher than those achieved by other researchers by optimizing modeling parameters outside the provisions in the ASCE 41/ACI 369.1 standards.