Comparison Of Constitutive Models in the Nonlinear Analysis of Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Holgado A.; Caballero J.; Rivas G.; Serrano M. · International Conference on Civil, Structural and Transportation Engineering (2026) · DOI: 10.11159/iccste26.115

Resumen

This research project arose from concerns about seismic hazards in Peru, located in the Pacific Ring of Fire, where seismic activity is constant. Lima is home to a large part of the population and has a history of destructive earthquakes, highlighting the need for safe buildings, compounded by informal construction practices that increase structural risk. Therefore, this study examines how the seismic performance of a 3-story framed building in Ancash, and an 8-story structural wall building in Lima, varies, considering different concrete constitutive models. A nonlinear static analysis (pushover) was implemented in SAP2000 to evaluate both real cases. Three concrete constitutive models were modeled: Mander, Kent and Park, and Popovics, incorporating plastic fibers in columns and plastic hinge in beams. The methodology followed FEMA 356, ASCE/SEI 41-17, and standard E.030, using modal and uniform load patterns. The pushover curves showed that the Mander model generated a 12–18% higher resistance capacity than Kent-Park and Popovics, especially in structural walls due to its better representation of confinement. The framed building showed drifts close to the regulatory limit (0.007) and brittle failure mechanisms in columns, while the walled building showed greater ductility with drifts ≤0.005. In addition, FEMA 440 underestimated the maximum displacements by 10% compared to FEMA 356. The research validates that nonlinear analysis is essential for optimizing earthquake-resistant design in Peru, identifying the Mander model as the most accurate for confined structures. The results highlight the need to complement traditional linear methods and provide a technical basis for future regulatory updates and evaluation methodologies in high seismic risk areas.

Instituciones: Universidad Peruana de Ciencias Aplicadas