Seismic Performance Evaluation of Reinforced Concrete

Structure with Gravity Columns

Abstract: In multi-story building columns and concrete flat slabs are only designed to carry
gravity loads. In present practice shear wall buildings with gravity columns are gaining
popularity as they altogether serve as main lateral force resisting element. Continuous gravity
columns increase lateral stiffness and strength. So it is possible to reduce the concentration of
story drift and prevent the story collapse. However, the gravity system is required to have
deformation compatibility with the lateral force resisting system. In this paper a 8 storied RC
Shear-Wall with gravity column at the periphery of the structure was analyzed using the
structural responses under non-linear dynamic analysis. Non-linear dynamic analysis (time-
history analysis) shows the building performance level using different hysteresis curve for
different time history functions. Different hinge behaviour at shear wall and gravity column has
been studied. The study model was created and analyzed using ETABS software. After analyzing
the elastic seismic response of the structure has been investigated.
Keywords: Reinforced concrete structure, Gravity column, Performance based seismic analysis
(PBSA), Non-linear dynamic analysis, and Hinge behaviour.

Introduction:
Seismic detailing and proportioning requirements in seismic design codes [ASCE 7 (ASCE
2010); ACI 318 (ACI 2011)] are intended to provide frames capable of resisting strong GMs
without significant loss of stiffness or strength. These frames are called SMFs and inherently
have improved seismic resistance compared to intermediate and ordinary moment frames with
less seismic detailing. The requirements for the columns that are part of the SMF assume that
these members may undergo significant inelastic deformations without significant loss of
strength and stiffness, and they should be able to carry the gravity loads even when undergoing
earthquake-induced displacement [ACI 318 (ACI 2011)].
Table 1. Material Property
Material Property Values
Concrete Compressive Strength (MPa) 35
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) 34

Steel Reinforcement Yield Strength (MPa) 355

Tensile Strength (MPa) 510
Modulus of Elasticity (GPa) 21

Table 2. Loads

Combinations Descriptions Terrace

DL 1.5 kN/m2 1.5 kN/m2
LL 5 kN/m2 2 kN/m2
PW 5.5 kN/m2 0.25 kN/m2
UTILITY 1 kN/m2 0 kN/m2

Table 3. Load Combinations

Combinations Descriptions
1 1.4DL
2 1.2DL+1.6LL
3 1.0DL+1.0LL+1.0Ex
4 1.0DL+1.0LL+1.0Ey

Table 4. Element size and reinforcement ratio of column

No. of Size Story Longitudinal Rebar
Story (mm) No. Reinforcement %
(mm2)
8 500x500 All Edge 3370 1.51

550x550 All Interior 5160 1.69

Table 5. Total masses and seismic design parameters
No. of Loads Total Seismic Design
Story Mass (kN) Parameter
DL 34186.6601 Ss= 1
S1= 0.3
LL 17020 Site Class: C
Risk Category: III
PW 17825 SDC: E
I= 1
UTILITY 3220 R= 3
Cd= 3

Table 6. TH function used in the study

TH function PGA(cm/s2) PGA (g) Scale factor
LACC_NOR-1 217.15 0.22 48
LACC_NOR-2 250.38 0.25 40
LEXINGT-1 433.55 0.43 24
LEXINGT-2 401.4 0.40 26
CORRALIT-1 614.64 0.61 17
CORRALIT-2 468.75 0.47 21
ELCENTRO 12.1 0.012 833