Title:
Nonlinear Modeling of Concrete Frame Elements including Shear Effects
Author(s):
Serhan Guner
Publication:
Symposium Paper
Volume:
365
Issue:
Appears on pages(s):
113-134
Keywords:
blast, cracking, failure, impact, performance-based, plastic hinges, pushover, seismic, shear.
DOI:
10.14359/51746687
Date:
3/1/2025
Abstract:
Current nonlinear modeling software for concrete frames typically employs line elements with plastic hinges defined at user-selected locations. While this is a simple and computationally efficient approach, a number of drawbacks limit its application. They include the challenges with defining the interacting shear and moment hinge curves, uncertainties with hinge locations and lengths, and difficulties in capturing the post-peak response. Two-dimensional continuum methods address these limitations, but their computational cost limits their applicability. This study presents an alternative modeling method, and associated computer software, with the objective of combining the simplicity of frame elements with the accuracy and result visualization capabilities of continuum methods. The method, developed in the last two decades, employs a distributed-plasticity, layered-section approach based on the Disturbed Stress Field Model (DSFM). The distributed-plasticity approach eliminates the need for defining plastic hinges while the DSFM enables capturing the shear, moment, and axial force interaction. The total-load and secant-stiffness formulation provides numerically stable solutions, even in the post-peak region. This paper presents an overview of the theoretical approach, unique aspects, and capabilities of this method. The validation studies undertaken for 148 experimental specimens, subjected to static (monotonic and cyclic) and dynamic (impact, blast, and seismic) load conditions, are also presented.