Predicting the In-Plane Rocking Behaviour of Post-Tensioned Concrete Walls Subjected to Earthquake Excitations

Abstract

The current capability of predicting the dynamic rocking response of post-tensioned concrete systems when subjected to earthquake excitations is examined herein. Shake table test results of a post-tensioned concrete masonry wall were compared to the simulation results from three frequently used numerical simulation procedures. This exercise highlighted significant deficiencies with the current methods and identified energy dissipating mechanisms as the primary modelling challenge for a successful simulation. The findings of this paper cast doubts on the anecdotal claims that the dynamic behaviour of controlled rocking systems can be accurately modelled.