Importance of Degrading Behavior for Seismic Performance Evaluation of Simple Structural Systems

Abstract

This study focuses on effect of degradation characteristics on seismic performance of simple structural systems. Equivalent single degree of freedom systems are used for which the structural characteristics are taken from existing reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. Simulation of degrading behavior is achieved by considering actual experimental data. To obtain the seismic response of degrading structural systems, two different approaches are used: inelastic spectral analysis and fragility analysis. According to the results obtained from both approaches, degrading behavior is dominant for mid-rise RC frame buildings as it significantly amplifies seismic demand. Hence, in performance-based assessment approaches, analytical modeling of such degrading structures should be carried out carefully.

Keywords:

• Degradation
• Unloading Stiffness
• Strength
• Pinching
• Fragility
• RC Frame

Acknowledgments

The author would like to thank Prof. Haluk Sucuoğlu for his valuable review and suggestions during the preparation of this article. Special thanks are due to Mr. Burak Kurtman for his efforts in the computational phase of this study.