L-shaped section

[matteolucera]

Hi,
I'm a italian engeneering student and I'm using your software to analyse
the seismic behaviour of an existing building built in the '60..

The builiding presents L-shaped concrete sections with re-bars on the side
frames and I don't know how to obtain it.

I tried with agss section, I can obtain the perfect shape but this type of
section doesn't allow me to insert reinforcement
bars..how can I manage it?

[Romain]

Hi Matteo,

In my opinion, the easiest way to solve your problem is to define 2 reinforced concrete rectangular section (rcrs) for each "arm" of your L shape section with the corresponding reinforcement.
Then, in order to make the 2 sections behave as 1, you just need to define a "rigid link" (with all DOF restrained) in the "nodal constraints" section, that link the 2 edges of the 2 elements.

Cheers,
Romain

[seismosoft]

Matteo, hi.

Romain's suggestion is a valid one, but we wonder if the explicit modelling of the L-shaped section is really necessary?

We suspect that, within the framework of assessing the seismic vulnerability of an existing building, such type of section detailing has a relatively minor impact in the final outcome, and would rather suggest you to use a rectangular or T-section with similar characteristics.

Of course, you can always run a sensitivity study, employing both modelling approaches, and check if the more complex one is really justified.

Seismosoft Support

[matteolucera]

thanks for both your answers,
I'll discuss with my professor about which strategy to choose.
Thank you again.

[seismosoft]

Matteo,

The upcoming release of SeismoStruct, due at the end of March-beginning of April, will feature the possibility of explicitly defining L-Shaped sections.

Seismosoft Support