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CHAPTER I
GENERAL INFORMATION

Reinforced concrete structures can be subjected to the horizontal loads such as earthquake
loading, wind loading, soil and water pressures. In the design of these structures, in addition
to the vertical loads, the horizontal loads must be considered. Therefore, structural forms of
these structures should support horizontal loads as well as vertical loads. The types of the
structural forms supporting vertical and horizontal loads are given below.
1. Moment resisting frame systems
2. Reinforced concrete wall (Shear wall) systems
3. Tube systems
4. Braced frame systems
5. Composite systems
6. Hybrid systems
These structural systems are shortly explained below.

1.1. Moment–Resisting Frame Systems

Moment-resisting frame systems used widely all over the world are formed by using moment-
resisting frames which are formed by using beams and columns. These systems can be
classified into two groups: orthogonal moment-resisting frame systems, and non-orthogonal
moment-resisting frame systems (Figure 1.1. and 1.2). These systems tend to sway
excessively under lateral loads, but they avoid brittle shear failures.

(a) An orthogonal frame system (b) A non-orthogonal frame system

Figure 1.1. (a) Orthogonal and (b) non-orthogonal moment-resisting frame systems
REINFORCED CONCRETE-II LECTURE’S NOTES Prof. Dr. Yusuf AYVAZ

Figure 1.2. Different moment-resisting frame systems

1.2. Reinforced Concrete Wall (Shear Wall) Systems

Reinforced concrete wall systems are formed by using reinforced concrete walls (Figure 1.3).
These systems are also used in many structures. The great advantage of these systems is that
they limit the interstorey deflection since they are generally very rigid, but they exhibit brittle
shear failure as seen in some earthquakes. Also, they do not provide overall safety of structure
in an earthquake because they rigidify partly the structure.

Figure 1.3. A reinforced concrete wall system

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1.3. Tube Systems

Tube systems are formed by using tube members in a structure. From the rigidity point of
view, these systems may be considered between moment-resisting frame systems and shear
wall systems.

Tube systems are the combination of shear walls or columns placed closely and connected by
strong beams (Figure 1.4, and 1.5). The torsional rigidity, horizontal load carrying capacity,
and ductility of these systems are very large. Therefore, the very tall building can be
constructed by using these systems.

Figure 1.4. A tube system-1

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Figure 1.5. A tube system-2

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REINFORCED CONCRETE-II LECTURE’S NOTES Prof. Dr. Yusuf AYVAZ

1.4. Braced Frame Systems

Braced frame systems can be constructed by using externally and/or internally bracing
members. Externally bracing is constituted by the use of struts, guys, buttresses, etc. and
internally bracing can be made by one or more diagonal members within the structures. These
bracing members can be used to reduce the horizontal displacement of the structure by
increasing its rigidity. The angle between these members and columns or beams is different
from 90o

Bracing members can be used in any types of structures such as single storey-single bay,
single storey- multi bays, or single span-multi storey.

Figure 1.6. A braced frame system-1

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REINFORCED CONCRETE-II LECTURE’S NOTES Prof. Dr. Yusuf AYVAZ

Figure 1.7. A braced frame system-2

1.5. Composite Systems

These systems can be formed by using composite, reinforced concrete, and/or steel members.

Column
Reinforcement

Slab

Bracing cable

Exterior concrete wall

Figure 1.8. A composite system

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1.6. Hybrid Systems

Hybrid systems are the combination of two or more of the above systems. The most widely
used hybrid system in the building industry is reinforced concrete wall-moment-resisting
frame system (Figure 1.9, 1.10, and 1.11).

Figure 1.9. A reinforced concrete wall-moment-resisting frame system-1

Figure 1.10. A reinforced concrete wall-moment-resisting frame system-2

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REINFORCED CONCRETE-II LECTURE’S NOTES Prof. Dr. Yusuf AYVAZ

Figure 1.11. Four examples of reinforced concrete wall-moment resisting frame system

Among the structural systems, the most flexible system is the moment-resisting frame system.
Therefore, it is the most ductile system. Elastic energy dissipation capacity of these systems is
less, but plastic energy dissipation capacity of these systems is much. However, for this,

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REINFORCED CONCRETE-II LECTURE’S NOTES Prof. Dr. Yusuf AYVAZ

maximum care should be given in the design and construction stages. Elastic load carrying
capacity and initial construction cost are low.

In general, the less rigid system is the reinforced concrete wall. It should be noted that the
degree of the ductility needed decreases with increasing rigidity. Elastic energy dissipation
capacity of these systems is higher than that of moment-resisting frames. However, plastic
energy dissipation capacity of these systems is not much. The initial construction cost is
higher than that of moment-resisting frames.

In braced frame systems, if the bracing members are not well arranged, these frames are more
inclined to undesirable buckling modes, so that this undesirable situation should be considered
in the design. In addition, if the bracing members are very slender and hence capably of
tensile resistance only, the seismic resistance of the structure is not as good as when they are
capably of tensile and compression resistances.

Among the hybrid systems, reinforced concrete wall - moment resisting frame systems are
suggested for all earthquake zones. It should be kept in mind in the design procedure that
reinforced concrete wall and moment-resisting frame can have different lateral displacement
under lateral loads. The initial construction cost of hybrid system is higher than that of
moment-resisting frame system.

For the selection of the structural forms depending on the storey number, as a choice, see
Figure 1.12.

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Figure 1.12. Selection of the structural forms depending on the storey number.

In this course, buildings that have the structural form of moment resisting frame will be
discussed and designed.

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