Nonlinear Dynamic Analysis of An Infilled Rc Frame Building During The 2016, Muisne, Ecuador Earthquake

Abstract

This paper presents the response of a numerical model under seismic loading of a four-story building located in Portoviejo, Ecuador. The analysisconsiders the event of April 16th, 2016, where a MW 7.8 shallow megathrust faulting earthquake struck the coast of Ecuador. The maximum recorded PGA in Portoviejo was 0.38g, The structure was finished in 2011where the building had interior partitions made of aluminum and gypsum. However, the perimeter walls were clay masonry infills, except in the front façadeA Tier 1 screening, and a Tier 3 systematic evaluation were developed following guidelines in ASCE 41-17. The nonlinear modeling of the structure was performed using OpenSees. The material properties of the structure used in the model were collected after the earthquake by destructive and non-destructive testing Infill walls are accounted for in the analysis by following the recommendations for infilled RC frames proposed in ASCE 41-17. According to the properties of the infilled fram the yield, peak and residual strength, and drift of the infilled frames are calculated. The results from comparing the natural period of the structure after being subjected to the EQ in the analysis and the information provided by the post-earthquake testing match. Therefore, the state of the masonry infills is compared to validate the model by comparing the damage with the force-vs.-displacement responses of each element The elements that represent the infill walls present a response that accurately describes the damage presented by the infills of the structure.

Manuscript received: September 22, 2021
Manuscript accepted: November 18, 2021