A Simplified Numerical Framework for Evaluating Post-Earthquake Settlements of Rc Frames
DOI:
https://doi.org/10.65904/Keywords:
Settlements, earthquake, time-history analysis, pushover analysis, RC frames, F.E. modelAbstract
This paper investigates the response of reinforced concrete (RC) frames to post-earthquake settlements, a critical condition for structures founded on liquefiable soils. A simplified numerical framework is proposed to account for the interaction between seismic-induced damage and subsequent ground deformations through a sequential analysis procedure. The approach combines nonlinear dynamic analyses and a simplified static-based method for estimating the residual post-earthquake configuration, followed by the application of settlements through an idealized compression-only support model. This element simulates a support that can transfer compressive forces while losing contact under tension, thus allowing settlement to develop without artificially constraining uplift conditions. Moreover, the residual configuration refers to the permanent deformed state of the structure at the end of the seismic action, including accumulated inelastic deformations and damage. The results show that seismic damage significantly affects the initial stiffness and load redistribution capacity during settlement, leading to increased settlement demands for a given load level. However, the ultimate settlement capacity remains largely unchanged when the collapse mechanism is not modified. For higher seismic intensities, a reduction in ultimate settlement capacity is observed, depending on the damage distribution and structural configuration. The comparison between dynamic and simplified static procedures demonstrates that the latter can capture the main features of the response with acceptable accuracy, providing a computationally efficient tool for preliminary assessments and parametric studies.
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