Collapse Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Frames Based on Energy Method

An energy approach for the collapse analysis of reinforced concrete frames was presented. Four frames, which had 4,7,10 and 15 stories respectively were designed according to the current Chinese seismic provisions and structural design requirements. Equivalent single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) systems were used to estimate the hysteretic energy demands of these frames in order to simplify the computational effort. The energy dissipation capacities of the beams and columns of the frames are approximately evaluated based on the pushover analysis. Compared the hysteretic energy input into structures by an earthquake with the energy absorption capacity of the structures, the seismic resistance behavior of the structures can be approximately assessed.