Alternative models of RC frames with partial-height infill panels

Customary Seismic design assumes a reduced design spectrum with a certain ductility level of the structure. Although proven successful, the design method provides little information about the inelastic behavior of a structure, which is expected to be large in severe earthquakes. This study deals with the inelastic dynamic response analysis of a large prestressed building to be constructed in Chile. Because of regularity of the structure, a 2D reinforced concrete frame was modeled using fiber elements regularized with a modified stress-strain constitutive relationship using the software Opensees. Therefore, damage may occur anywhere along the element characterized by variable reinforcing steel and internal forces. Results of the inelastic analysis show that inelastic deformations localize in a few places around the nodes, but the building is able to withstand a maximum credible earthquake demand without collapse.