Nonlinear Static Analysis for Seismic Assessment of RC Structures

Earthquake is known to be an unpredictable disaster that occurs from beneath the earth as a result of a sudden release of energy in the earth crust. The impact of this massive disaster has caused extensive damages to humankind and environment. Buildings and other structures face extensive damages and collapse due to high earthquake intensity. A nonlinear static analysis is carried out to assess the seismic performance of the RC structures subjected to earthquake loading. A nonlinear fibre program called SeismoStruct is used in this analysis and the results of global and local responses are compared to the experimental result done by the previous researchers. To verify the accuracy of the results, time history analysis is referred. From the findings, nonlinear static analysis using SeismoStruct provided good estimation on the deformation of the frames for two and four storey frame where shear failure happened and for soft story mechanism predicted to happen in three storey frame. However, there are some conservative results produced in local responses such as displacement profile and element's strain.

Hazmatul Farha is currently a PhD candidate in Civil Engineering Department, Universiti Teknologi PETRONAS. She just completed her MSc degree on nonlinear performance of RC structures under seismic action. Currently she is pursuing her doctoral studies in the field of reliability of RC columns strengthened with CFRP wrap.