the rationality of plane model simplifying three dimension frame in seismic response analysis

A finite element model based on the flexibility method and a fiber section model of nonlinear beam column elements was adopted within the OpenSees framework. A typical multistory reinforced concrete 3D frame designed in accordance with the Chinese building code and a representative plane frame parallel to the X axis were used as examples. The relationships of the responses obtained from the plane and 3D models were studied by comparing global and local seismic responses of the frame, and by taking the responses of the 3D model under unidirectional earthquake action as a medium for comparison. Because the results show the global responses of the plane model are similar to those of the 3D model, it is reasonable to replace the 3D model with the plane model when examining global seismic responses. The local responses are evidently different. For the plane model under unidirectional action, numerous plastic hinges develop at the beam ends. Many more plastic hinges at column ends exist than in beams for the 3D model under bi directional action. Column ductility demands obviously exceed those of beams. The frame tends to develop a column sway mechanism, implying that simplified plane analysis model significantly underestimates the seismic responses of the 3D frame column.