RESISTANCE ASSESSMENT OF BUILDINGS VIA MODEL CONVERSION FROM ETABS/SAP2000 TO ABAQUS WITH MATLAB INTERFACE

Abstract

The increasing complexity of high-rise and large-span structures requires reliable methods for evaluating seismic performance under rare earthquake events. Conventional full-scale experimental testing is costly, time-consuming, and impractical for routine engineering applications, creating a need for efficient computational approaches. This study proposes an integrated framework for seismic resistance assessment by combining ETABS/SAP2000, ABAQUS, and a MATLAB-based interface for automated model conversion. Enhanced concrete and steel constitutive models incorporating cyclic behavior and strain-rate effects were implemented and validated against experimental data from reinforced concrete column tests. The methodology was applied to an 8-story reinforced concrete frame–shear wall structure and a large-span steel truss gymnasium subjected to rare earthquake ground motions through nonlinear time-history analysis. Validation results showed that the converted ABAQUS models accurately preserved structural dynamic characteristics, with modal period deviations below 6.6% and material parameter deviations below 3% compared with experimental observations. For the frame–shear wall structure, maximum inter-story drift ratios were 1/136 and 1/161 in the X and Y directions, respectively, remaining within code limits. Damage analysis revealed progressive deterioration concentrated in coupling beams and wall bases, while most beams and columns remained elastic, confirming a desirable strong-column–weak-beam failure mechanism. The proposed framework provides an economical and accurate alternative to physical testing, enabling efficient seismic performance evaluation, damage prediction, and anti-collapse assessment of complex structures.