Reliability Index For Reinforced Concrete Frames Using Nonlinear Pushover And Dynamic Analysis

Abstract

In the conventional design and analysis methods affecting parameters (loads, materials'<br />strength, etc) are not set as probable variables. Safety factors in the current Codes and<br />Standards are usually obtained on the basis of judgment and experience, which may be<br />improper or uneconomical. In technical literature, a method based on nonlinear static analysis<br />is suggested to set Reliability Index on strength of structural systems. In this paper, a method<br />based on Nonlinear Dynamic analysis with rising acceleration (or Incremental Dynamic<br />Analysis) is introduced, the results of which are compared with those of the previous (Static<br />Pushover Analysis) method and two concepts namely Redundancy Strength and Redundancy<br />Variations are proposed as an index to these impacts. The Redundancy Variation Factor and<br />Redundancy Strength Factor indices for reinforced concrete frames with varying number of<br />bays and stories and different ductility potentials are computed and ultimately, Reliability<br />Index is determined using these two indices.