Seismic response and simulations of reinforced concrete bridge using OpenSees on high performance computing

Nonlinear seismic analysis is becoming increasingly significant to grasp the performance of structures under earthquake. A nonlinear finite element model of existing bridge at Karad, India, including the bridge structure, pile groups, and the supporting foundation soil, is developed under 2D and 3D conditions in Gid (a pre and postprocessor software). The computational model is analyzed using Parallel OpenSees. OpenSees is open source software for carrying out earthquake engineering simulations, developed by Pacific Earthquake Engineering Research Centre, USA. The earthquake simulations were carried out using C-DAC’s high performance computing facilities. The ground motion selection and modification technique-predicting median interstory drift response of building, ground motions are selected by M and R and scaling to Sa(T1), is used for seismic response of combined large scale soil-structure interaction of Karad bridge. The idealized model properly represents the actual geometry; boundary conditions, gravity loads and mass distribution. Nonlinear modeling and analysis allows more accurate determination of stresses, strains, deformations and forces of critical components. The present work involves the effects of specially varying input excitation (earthquakes) at an existing bridge site. A nonlinear finite element model of this bridge site including the bridge structure, pile group and supporting foundation soil is developed in 2D plane strain conditions and in 3D 20 noded brick element. Carefully calibrated nonlinear stress–strain models are employed for both bridge and soil materials, in order to realistically reproduce actual site conditions. Seismic input motions are defined as forces using the boundary layer force method (zero length element approach). The earthquake simulation of bridge structure includes large scale interaction between structure–foundation–soil system and deformations at various locations of the bridge. The results include deformations at base of piers and at various spans of the bridge. Performing the bridge simulation on C-DAC’s Param Yuva facility results in accuracy and saving in computing efforts.