Parametric Study of Inelastic Seismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings

The objective of this paper is to investigate the influence of strength and stiffness distribution in-plan to the nonlinear seismic behaviour of reinforced concrete frame buildings. For this purpose, two 2-storey buildings, a two-way symmetric and a one-way symmetric with eccentricity relative to the y axis, are designed applying the Modal Response Spectrum Method of analysis according to Eurocode 8. Then, the calculated reinforcement of selected elements of the two structures is modified properly in order to generate seven building models with different strength distributions. Each model is subjected to seven strong ground motions acting in two orthogonal directions. The inelastic dynamic analysis is performed for three levels of seismic intensity corresponding to minor damages, moderate damages and severe damages. The structural response is evaluated by means of local Damage Indices for each element as well as of an Overall Structural Damage Index for the whole building. Useful conclusions concerning the nonlinear response are derived.