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Uncertainties in Small-Displacement-Based Algorithms for Simulating Structural Collapse

Published

Author(s)

Kevin K. Wong

Abstract

Can small-displacement-based structural analysis software packages possibly be used to simulate large displacement responses and structural collapse due to earthquake excitations? This question has been raised by both researchers and practitioners over and over again, but so far there is no study on looking at whether different solution algorithms can the same simulate collapse patterns. In this research, an attempt is made to investigate this possibility by comparing the structural dynamic responses using three small-displacement-based solution algorithms with those obtained using a large-displacement-based finite element solution algorithm. Under the assumption that large-displacement-based solution algorithm gives the most precise responses for a given structural model, the comparison shows that consistencies are obtained among solution algorithms using different “dynamic” solvers, but inconsistencies occur due to implementation of different “nonlinear” solvers which do not necessarily occur only at large displacement responses. These nonlinear solvers make different assumptions for coupling geometric nonlinearity and material nonlinearity into their respective solution algorithms. For this reason, the quantification of uncertainties in the output responses is performed to identify the solution algorithm that is more appropriate for simulating structural responses at and near collapses.
Proceedings Title
Proceedings of the 11th National Conference in Earthquake Engineering
Conference Dates
June 25-29, 2018
Conference Location
Los Angeles, CA
Conference Title
11th National Conference in Earthquake Engineering

Citation

Wong, K. (2018), Uncertainties in Small-Displacement-Based Algorithms for Simulating Structural Collapse, Proceedings of the 11th National Conference in Earthquake Engineering, Los Angeles, CA, [online], https://tsapps.nist.gov/publication/get_pdf.cfm?pub_id=924478 (Accessed March 28, 2024)
Created June 24, 2018, Updated August 20, 2020