Portal of damage: a web-based finite element program for the analysis of framed structures subjected to overloads

This paper describes a web-based finite element program called portal of damage. The purpose of the program is the numerical simulation of reinforced concrete framed structures, typically buildings, under earthquakes or others exceptional overloads. The program has so far only one finite element based on lumped damage mechanics. This is a theory that combines fracture mechanics, damage mechanics and the concept of plastic hinge. In the case of reinforced concrete frames, the main mechanism of deterioration is cracking of concrete. Cracking in a frame element is lumped at the plastic hinges. Cracking evolution in the plastic hinge is assumed to follow a generalized form of the Griffith criterion. The behavior of a plastic hinge with damage is described via the effective stress hypothesis, as used in continuum damage mechanics. The portal that can be accessed using any commercial browser (explorer, netscape, etc.) allows to: (a) Create an account in a server.(b) Make use of a semi-graphic pre-processor to create an input file with a digitalized version of the structure.(c) Run a dynamic finite element program and monitor the state of the process.(d) Download or upload input and output files in text format.(e) Make use of a graphic post-processor.