While linear analysis is sufficient for simple code checks, real-world seismic events often push structures into the non-linear range. Abaqus excels in:
to identify the structure's natural frequencies and mode shapes. Step 3: Dynamic Analysis : Choose between: Implicit (Standard) : Best for slower transients
Before applying an earthquake, you must know how your structure "breathes." Running a frequency step helps identify the primary modes of vibration and ensures your mesh is capturing the mass distribution correctly. Step 2: Defining the Ground Motion You typically apply seismic loads as Base Motion
SSI can significantly alter seismic demand. Abaqus supports three SSI modeling levels:
If using Abaqus/Explicit (for collapse analysis), you may need to apply mass scaling to increase the stable time increment and make the computation feasible.
: For preliminary assessments where the structure remains elastic, using a response spectrum or modal time-history approach is computationally light. This leverages the natural frequencies of the system to estimate peak responses.
Key analysis approaches