Treatment of modelling uncertainty of NLFEA in fib Model Code 2020

When non-linear finite element analyses are used in design of new or assessment of existing concrete structures, one should account for the modelling uncertainty before conclusions are drawn based on the results. The present article describes the basis for how this topic is treated in the draft of fib Model Code 2020. There are two components of the modelling uncertainty: (i) within-model, and (ii) between-model. The within-model uncertainty was estimated from a range of series of benchmark analyses gathered from the literature. Each series was assumed analyzed in a consistent manner, termed as the solution strategy. The main result for the within-model component, is a set of prior parameters for Bayesian updating. In an application setting, the prior parameters should be updated after validating the selected solution strategy with a suite of relevant benchmark analyses, before using the mean and coefficient of variation in the Global Factor Method or calculating the modelling uncertainty factor gamma Rd to be used in the Partial Factors Method. Finally, results from blind-prediction competitions were studied. With the present data, it cannot be concluded that a-priori knowledge of the experimental outcome reduces the uncertainty in the prediction. Hence, there is no need for compensating for this effect by a separate partial factor.

Automated summary

When using non-linear finite element analyses in the design of concrete structures, it is important to consider modelling uncertainties. The fib Model Code 2020 draft discusses how to address this issue by estimating uncertainties within and between models. Prior parameters for Bayesian updating can be updated after validating solution strategies with benchmark analyses.