YAP 563E – Assignment 2

Seismic Comparison of the Structural Systems

There are different types of structure systems using in buildings. Comparison between these
systems from seismic point of view are given below.

1) Moment frame: Typical moment frame involves columns and beams which are connected each
other with fully and/or partially restrained with no released moment connections. Gravity and
Lateral loads are resisted in moment-frame systems by flexure in the beams and columns that
encourage shears and moments into the beams, columns, and their moment-connected joints.
They provide flexibility for architectural design because of allowing large beam span without any
column or wall. However, they produce more deflection compared to that of braced frames or
shear walls, and produce localized stress concentrations at rigid joints. Also, they require special
care in production of connections in order to resist lateral loads properly. So, their cost is more
expensive than other options.

2) Shear Wall: Shear walls used mainly provide resistance to lateral forces. The slab connected to
the shear wall must function as a horizontal diaphragm. They are more cost effective than other
options like moment frame. They have large stiffness and strength for resistance. Also, they can be
used as fire compartment walls, stairs, or lift shafts without obstruct architectural layout However
they decrease in stiffness and strength if there are openings and creates large bearing pressure for
foundations due to self-weight of walls.

3) Moment Frame and Shear Wall Interacting System: This type of system called as dual
system that a combination of structural walls and moment-resisting frames proportioned to resist
the design earthquake loads in proportion with their rigidities. Moment frames responsible gravity
loads and shear walls deal with lateral loads but in these systems moment frames must be capable
of resisting at least 25% of the prescribed earthquake forces. Their using is not common except in
some conditions such as limitation of shear wall height in tall building or on the poor soil
constructions that require expensive foundation options.

4) Braced Frame: Braced frames resist loads through a series of trusses made of steel members.
The diagonal members of the trusses resist lateral loads in the form of axial stresses, either by
tension or compression. They are superior than other options in that they can be located internally
or externally for flexibility of architectural design, they are no need for moment connections.
However, they can be producing problems for layout of windows and doors due to obstruction of
bracings, and they require fireproofing materials for steel members so that takes up space, and
need for large gusset plates for connections between beams and columns.

5) Cantilever Column: Cantilever column systems are seismic force resisting systems in which
the lateral forces are resisted entirely by columns that act as vertical cantilevers. In particular, they
are useful in low-rise light-frame construction of two stories or less in combination with other
structural systems to provide resistance along an independent line of resistance, as may be needed
for an addition to an existing building. Cantilever columns provide a simple to the other options
like a moment frame, braced frame, or shear wall for a variety of low-rise structures. However,
they have substantially less energy dissipation capacity than other systems. Because the ductility
of columns having large axial stress is limited. In cantilever column systems, individual column
axial demands from seismic load effects shouldn’t exceed 15 percent of their available axial
strength, including slenderness effects.
YAP 563E – Assignment 2

References
Cantilevered Column Systems and ASCE 7-10 Requirements. (2015, March 23). Retrieved
from https://www.skghoshassociates.com/blog/cantilevered-column-systems-and-asce-7-10-
requirements/
Moehle, J. (2014). Design of Reinforced Concrete Buildings for Seismic Performance. New
York. McGraw-Hill Education.