Seismic analysis of reinforced concrete frame buildings using interface modeling

For efficient seismic computational analysis of reinforced concrete frame structures, a concentrated nonlinearity approach using interface elements is proposed. In the proposed model, the nonlinear response of frame structures is concentrated in hinge regions using interface elements. The interface elements as well as embedded reinforcement elements are assigned constitutive models based on concrete and steel stress-strain response. Two damage lengths, one for concrete (the hinge length) and one for steel (the bondslip length) as well as reduced initial stiffness are the additional parameters needed for the models. The remaining portions of the structure were modeled using elastic elements. Based on the simulation results, it is concluded that this model can generally be used for efficient reasonably accurate seismic analysis of a reinforced concrete frame structure.