Simulation of the E-Defense 2015 test on a 10-storey building using macro-models

Abstract The capabilities of certain standard macro numerical models were tested by simulating the shaking table experiment on a full-scale 10-storey fixed-base building at the largest shaking table in the E-Defense centre in Japan. The lumped plasticity model for columns and beams, the force-displacement version of the MVLEM (multiple-vertical-line-element model) for walls and the scissors model with rigid links for beam-column joints were evaluated. A reasonably good simulation of the experiment was achieved using the models' standard input parameters in most cases. However, a few input parameters were modified based on the experimental data, particularly when modelling joints, which were relatively weak; therefore, they were considerably damaged during the strongest seismic excitations. The essential parameters that influenced the response were identified and analysed. The most important parameters were the effective width of the slabs, the ratio of the strength, stiffness and amount of dissipated energy in the joints as compared to the beams and columns, and the reduced initial stiffness of the structure.