Nonlinear Analysis Methods for Reinforced Concrete Structural Elements Subjected to Static and Dynamic Loads

Abstract Civil engineering structures are generally designed to be sufficiently ductile and capable of dissipating energy when subjected to movements caused by seismic action. The aim is to study and assess the behavior in terms of global ductility of reinforced concrete beam-column structural elements. Seismic behavior is studied using the push-over method. Initially, we are interested in modeling the nonlinear bending behavior, up to failure, of a reinforced concrete frame under increasing monotonic static loading. The modeling is carried out using the finite element method within the framework of the Navier-Bernoulli hypothesis. The load-displacement curves of the elements analyzed are plotted, enabling the global ductility factor to be deduced. The second part of the work consists of applying the push-over method to a nonlinear static analysis of the frame studied, up to failure, in order to assess its seismic response and deduce its performance point. It was used to obtain the load-displacement curves and to deduce the global ductility factor. After analyzing the nonlinear behavior of the frame using the two proposed methods, approximate global behavior was observed. It was found that in both approaches, the frame exhibits sufficiently ductile behavior, indicating a less advanced state of plasticization. The performance point coincides with the elastic displacement of the frame, so the behavior of the frame has not reached the plastic phase, and the frame can withstand the load applied to it.