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Development and application of generalized conforming shell element for earthquake-induced collapse simulation of tall buildings

Numerical simulation has increasingly become an effective method for the performance-based design of tall buildings. As one of the most important lateral-force resistant component, the shear walls usually exhibit complex mechanical behaviors subjected to earthquake. Hence, a reliable numerical model for the shear walls is critical for the earthquake-induced collapse simulation. Amongst the existing research efforts, the multi-layer shell element is regarded as an appropriate solution to simulate the shear walls under complicated stress situation, yet the associated shell element in some finite element codes such as OpenSees still has problems in properly handling the displacement compatibility with the beam elements and accurately simulating the large displacement during the collapse. In consequence, a high-performance quadrilateral shell element based on the theory of generalized conforming element, accounting for the geometric nonlinearity of large deformation using the updated Lagrangian approach, is proposed. This element is added into the open-sourced finite element program of OpenSees. The reliability and versatility of the proposed model is then validated through the comparison between the simulation results and the available experimental data. Further, the collapse simulation of a typical RC frame core-tube tall building is performed using the proposed shell element and associated algorithm for large displacements. The research outcome will assist in providing a useful reference and an effective tool for further numerical analysis of the seismic safety of tall buildings.

Author(s):

Lisha Wang    
Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace, Tsinghua University
China

Song Cen    
Department of Engineering Mechanics, School of Aerospace, Tsinghua University
China

Linlin Xie    
Key Laboratory of Civil Engineering Safety and Durability of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University
China

Xinzheng Lu    
Key Laboratory of Civil Engineering Safety and Durability of Ministry of Education, Tsinghua University
China