Seismosoft | Earthquake Engineering Solutions

Dear all

Following available suggestions to model a spring by a link element; how can I model a spring with a predefined fracture point (e.g. by using a maximum displacement). I'm trying to model a simple bi linear behavior at a joint that ends up with a predefined fracture at an ultimate displacement. I think that multi-linear curve type is the best option, but , I cannot decide about the values of required parameters to simply simulate bi linear hysteresis behavior without any deterioration or degradation.

Looking forward to your kind reply

sarian, hi.

You touch a valid point, since Performance Criteria cannot currently be set up for link elements (if such facility were available, then it would be straightforward to do what you require).

In view of the above, I wonder if "playing" with the 'gap_hk' response curve could be of help? It may well not work, since placing link elements in series typically gives rise to numerical difficulties, but is the only thing that comes to mind right now.

Best,

Rui