Numerical Model of a Reinforced Concrete Building: Earthquake Analysis and Experimental Validation

Shaking-table experiments of relatively large-scale specimens play a fundamental role in deepening our understanding of seismic response of existing structures and verification of numerical models. However, and in apparent contradiction, the preparation of such a dynamic laboratory experiment requires a-priori advanced numerical simulations, necessary to both fine-tune the test specimen properties and calibrate the input motion, as a function of the objectives of the test and capabilities and characteristics of the shaking table. This research thus concerns the development of a fibre-based finite elements model of a half-scale 3D reinforced concrete frame tested under dynamic conditions at the European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering (EUCENTRE, Pavia, Italy). Since this reduced-scale specimen is very much based on a full-scale counterpart previously tested under pseudo-dynamic conditions at the European Laboratory for Structural Assessment (ELSA) of the Joint Research Centre (JRC, Ispra, Italy), the first part of the work consisted in verifying that the software tool employed in the numerical simulations was capable of duplicating the pseudo-dynamic real test results. Having successfully met the latter objective, the second part of the work consisted in the attempted numerical simulation of the shaking table tests, with a view to ascertain that the response of the model will be within the envisaged response targets and that the necessary input motion is compatible with the shaking-table characteristics.