Title:
Modeling of Building Diaphragms for Nonlinear Response- History Analysis
Author(s):
Sergio E. Godinez, Jose I. Restrepo, and Mario E. Rodriguez
Publication:
Structural Journal
Volume:
121
Issue:
6
Appears on pages(s):
175-184
Keywords:
diaphragm; seismic design; stringer-panel; structural analysis; transfer diaphragm
DOI:
10.14359/51742155
Date:
11/1/2024
Abstract:
The seismic design of building diaphragms is one of the most vexing
tasks today. Diaphragms are the structural elements primarily
designed to transfer in-plane forces to the lateral force-resisting
system. Design challenges increase when modeling diaphragms
in nonlinear response-history analyses. The main complexity lies
in choosing a computationally efficient model and establishing
the demands and force distribution throughout the diaphragm.
This paper describes two commonly used methods and compares
the results in the design forces. A reinforced concrete core-wall
building with a flat-slab transfer diaphragm is presented as a case
study. Diaphragms were modeled with linear shell elements and
the stringer-panel model. Differences in the magnitude of the forces
are not significant, although visible differences are observed in the
presentation of the results. The stringer-panel model shows a clear
and unambiguous load path for the in-plane forces, making it an
attractive alternative for the analysis of diaphragms.