Damage simulation algorithm for reinforced concrete structures under seismic loading

An algorithm was developed to simulate the progressive seismic damage evolution of all components in a reinforced concrete (RC) structure. Using the algorithm, a damage cloud chart of the whole structure and the damage evolution process and responses of each component can be obtained and monitored during a seismic damage simulation. The algorithm was applied to simulate the progressive damage evolution of an existing RC frame building under dynamic acceleration loading. The seismic damage evolution rates of different components in the structure were found to be completely different. This shows that analysing the seismic damage evolution of all components together is more important than analysing individual components to understand the seismic damage mechanisms of RC structures.