Applications in Civil Engineering

Earthquake Simulation of a Building

FEMtools Framework was used as the framework to program and integrate a novel approach to earthquake simulation. The main features are:

Monte Carlo simulation (MCS) of random earthquake signal (Tajimi-Kanai-model)
Non-linear moment-curvature relation in 3D-beam elements, alternatively fiber-model of the beam section.
Hysteretic material-relation (Bouc-Wen).
Time domain simulation using a standard Newmark scheme in a reduced modal base.

Since the (global) mode shapes in a reduced modal base cannot represent local phenomena like due to plastifying beam elements, the global mode shape basis is augmented by ("plastic") shape functions to capture the displacement shape to local imposed curvature.

The method is very accurate and allows a model reduction of about 100000 DOF down to about 50 DOF which is very advantageous in a Monte Carlo simulation. Application of the technique on a building structure is shown hereafter. The red markers indicate the position of plastifying elements.

[Windows Media (.wmv), 2.7 MB]

Model by Muller-BBM (Germany)

For more information:

J. Guggenberger and H. Grundmann, Stochastic Response of Large FE Models with Hysteretic Behaviour in Beam Elements, Computer Methods in Applied Mechanics and Engineering, Volume 194, Issue 1 (April 2005) pp. 1739-1756, Elsevier.

J. Guggenberger and H. Grundmann, Monte Carlo simulation of the hysteretic response of frame structures using plastification adapted shape functions, Probabilistic Engineering Mechanics, 19 (2004) pp. 81-91, Elsevier.

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