Numerical Analysis of Seismic Performance in High-Performance Fiber-Reinforced Cementitious Composite (HPFRCC) Frames

Abstract

Considering the importance of moment frames in concrete structures, reinforcing them with high performance fibers is very effective. High-performance fiber reinforced cementitious composite (HPFRCC) materials exhibit strain hardening behavior under tension and can be used in seismic rehabilitation of structural members. The aim of this research is to evaluate the seismic performance of reinforced concrete and compare them with reinforced concrete frames, which was carried out using the numerical analysis method and ABAQUS finite element software to model a moment frame under different loads. After validating the software performance, the modeling of the conventional reinforced concrete frame was conducted. Then, its panel zone was replaced by HPFRCC materials with different resistances and different percentages of reinforcements, and it was compared with reinforced concrete frame and reinforced HPFRCC frame. The results showed that with the increase of the vertical force on the frame, the yield corresponding lateral displacement in reinforced concrete, reinforced composite HPFRCC and HPFRCC frames decreased 13-41%, 24-41% and 17-34%, respectively. Lateral bearing capacity in reinforced concrete, reinforced composite HPFRCC and HPFRCC frames decreased 1-2%, 1-4% and 2-7%, respectively. In HPFRCC frames, by increasing the size of rebars from 12 to 14 mm and 16 mm, the force increased by 5% and 20%, respectively, and the lateral displacement decreased by 3% and 4.5%, respectively. By increasing the reinforcement area in the frame columns of all frames, the plastic hinge length (l_P) and the plastic hinge rotation (θ_P) decreased in the columns and increased in the beam.