A PROJECT PROPOSAL TO THE DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL

ENGINEERING IN PARTIAL FULFILLMENT OF THE

REQUIREMENT FOR THE BACHELORS DEGREE IN CIVIL
ENGINEERING

TRIBHUVAN UNIVERSITY
INSTITUTE OF ENGINEERING
ADVANCED COLLEGE OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT
KATHMANDU, NEPAL

STRUCTURAL DESIGN OF
MID-RISE REINFORCED CONCRETE
COMMERCIAL BUILDING

By:
Amit Yadav (ACE077BCE009)
Anil Mahato (ACE077BCE010)
Dilli Oli (ACE077BCE031)
Gagan Simkhada (ACE077BCE034)
Milan Sunar (ACE077BCE045)

DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL ENGINEERING

Asadh, 2081
 Abstract
The project entitled “Structural design of a mid-rise reinforced concrete commercial
building” in Kathmandu is a project work carried by a group of five students of 2077 batch of
IOE, Advanced College of Engineering and Management, Kathmandu. This proposal has been
developed to meet the partial fulfillment of IOE, TU, BCE IV year course demand which pro-
vides an opportunity to develop analytical and problem-solving skills and enhances our skill
in structural design of a multi-storey building as this project enforces us to analyze and design
each component of the building in detail. The project aims to integrate theoretical knowledge
with practical application in structural design, construction planning, and sustainable
engineering practices. Present world demands high rise multi-storey buildings for different
purposes. Being beneficial in many aspects, multi-storey buildings come with greater risk of
earthquake and structural risks. The analysis and design of our building is based on increasing
the seismic capacity through proper configuration of the structure as well as proper designing
and ductile detailing of structural elements. Along with this our major focus is on the pro-
vision of safe accommodation for people in multi-storey commercial building. The project
will commence within the above-mentioned criteria and the strength and serviceability will be
checked. If the conditions are okay, the final output of the project as well as detailed drawings
will be obtained else certain changes in the design will be required.

i
 Table of Contents

1. Introduction 1
1.1 Background . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1.2 Objectives . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.3 Scope . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
1.4 Limitations . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4
1.5 Description of the project . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .4
1.5.1 Building Information . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6
2. Literature Review 10
2.1 Theory . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11
2.2 Structural Design Philosophy . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15
2.3 Codes Followed . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 17
2.4 Code based & Performance based design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18
3. Methodology 19
3.1 Planning Phase . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
3.1.1 Functional Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.1.2 Structural Planning . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
3.2 Load Evaluation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .19
3.2.1 Gravity load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19
3.2.2 Lateral Load . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.3 Preliminary Design . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.4 Modeling and Analysis of structure . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.4.1 Software to be used . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20
3.5 Design and Detailing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20

4. Proposed Work Plan 22

5. Expected Outcomes 23

ii
1. Introduction
The project work on “Structural design of a mid-rise reinforced concrete commercial build-
ing” is carried out with a motive to structurally analyse and structurally design a multi-storied
building to make it earthquake resistant and incorporate present methods of building analysis
and design in the world with the requirements of final year project to meet the partial fulfil-
ment of Bachelor in Civil Engineering 4th year project work of Institute of Engineering (IOE).
The analysis and design is based on architectural plan of a proposed RCC building provided
by the project supervisor.

1.1 Background
Designing a building for gravity loads is a critical first step in ensuring its overall safety and
performance. It involves comprehensive analysis and design which can address various loads
the structure will encounter during its life cycle. This foundational work is essential before
moving on to earthquake-resistant design, which adds another layer of complexity and safety
to the structure.

Buildings can collapse without any earthquake load due to factors such as design flaw. To
ensure structural stability under normal conditions, we must first perform a thorough load
analysis, considering dead loads, live loads, and environmental loads. Selecting an appropri-
ate structural system and materials with adequate strength and durability is crucial. Ensuring
a clear and continuous load path from the roof to the foundation and designing robust foun-
dations that account for soil conditions are essential steps. Detailed structural analysis should
be conducted to verify stresses, deflections, and overall stability under all load combinations.
Compliance with relevant building codes and standards is mandatory.

A report developed by the American Society of Civil Engineers, based on their study of
around 600 failed structures, found that around 40% of the structures failed during the con-
struction stage, 36% of the structures failed during the pre-construction stage due to flawed
designs, and 24% failed during their operational stage. [5]

After ensuring the building’s stability under normal loads, the focus shifts to incorporating
earthquake-resistant features. Seismic load analysis, based on location, soil conditions, and
seismic zoning maps, determines the appropriate seismic loads. Additional reinforcement and

1
special detailing at critical regions enhance seismic performance. Considering potential future
retrofitting, especially in high seismic zones, involves planning for the addition of seismic
dampers or other strengthening measures. By integrating these considerations, engineers can
ensure that buildings are safe and resilient under both normal and seismic conditions.

Nepal is located in the Himalayan region which is a highly seismic zone. The mountain-
ous country is the 11th most earthquake-prone country in the world, according to the Nepal
government’s ’Post Disaster Needs Assessment’ (PDNA) report published in 2015. The sub-
duction of Indian plate under the Tibetan plate is considered as the major source of seismicity
in the region. The existence of the Himalaya ranges, the world’s highest peaks is the evidence
of the continued tectonics beneath the country. Nepal, located in the seismically active Hi-
malayan region, faces recurrent and devastating earthquakes. The 2015 Gorkha earthquake
(7.8Mw) serves as a stark example, causing 8,970 fatalities, injuring 22,303 people, and dam-
aging 6,266 public buildings, 798,897 private residences, and cultural heritage sites, including
the historic Dharahara tower. [12]

Hundreds of thousands of people were displaced, and entire communities were leveled in
several parts of the country. At UNESCO World Heritage sites in the Kathmandu Valley,
centuries-old structures were demolished. Nepal is located on the southern end of the diffuse
collision boundary, which occurs when the Indian Plate pushes into the Eurasian Plate.

Fig 1 : Collapse of Building after Turkey Earthquake, 2023 [10]

2
 Fig 2 : A partially collapsed building is seen in Hualien, in eastern Taiwan [7]

For the seismic analysis and design of multistorey buildings, it is important to examine the
seismic effect, loading pattern, soil bearing capability, and other factors. Given that our coun-
try is located in an active tectonic zone where the Indian plate is thrusting against the Eurasian
plate, multistory structure design that ignores seismic forces is unavoidable. In response to
this, we recommend completing a project on “Structural design of mid-rise reinforced con-
crete commercial building”

1.2 Objectives
• To create an analytical model of the building using finite element software.

• To carry out structural analysis of the analytical model under gravity and lateral loads.

• To carry out structural design.

• To prepare structural drawings.

1.3 Scope
• The scope of the project is limited to structural analysis and design of the building.

• The seismic analysis will be carried out using equivalent static method & response spec-
trum method.

3
 • Architectural design, Geotechnical design, MEP (Mechanical, Electrical and Plumbing)
design is not in the scope of the project.

• This is a code-based design and the design will be done on the basis of IS:456 and NBC
105:2020 codes.

1.4 Limitations
• Geotechnical parameters will be assumed as geotechnical tests are not available.

• Soil structure interaction will not be considered.

1.5 Description of the project

Name of the Project: Structural design of mid-rise reinforced concrete commercial building.
Location:
Province: Bagmati
District: Kathmandu
Place: Baneshwor
Type of Building: Commercial Building
Plot area: 7277.37 square metre
Total area of building: 3913.26 square metre with basement.
Building Height: 37.36 metres from Ground level
No of Storey: 12 including basement and excluding roof cover.

4
Location Map

5
1.5.1 Building Information

Y A' A A'' B C
136' D E F F'
10'-3" 4' 20'-7" 17' 19' 21'-6" 18' 1'-6"
A''' 14'-11" 11" 3' 13'-9" 12'-7" 65'-4" 25'-6"
11'-2"

2'-3" 5'-4"
1 6'-3"
W 1
11
12
13 1'' 1'
14 ELEVATOR
10 15 6'-1"x9'-11" Rental space 1
9
16
25'-5"

25'-5"

25'-5"

25'-5"

25'-5"

25'-5"
8 (13 PERSONS) 10'-3"x25'-5"
17
7 18 260.52 sq. ft.
16'

6 19 Rental space 2 Rental space 3 Rental space 4 Rental space 5 Rental space 6 Rental space 7
5 20
4 10'-9"x25'-5" 10'-7"x25'-5" 10'-7"x 25'-5" 10'-2"x25'-5" 10'-6"x25'-5" 25'-1"x36'-7"
3' 273.22 sq. ft. 268.99 sq. ft. 268.99 sq. ft. 258.40 sq.ft. 266.87 sq.ft. 917.63 sq.ft.
-1 2
ad "

36'-7"
tre er -7 1 ELEVATOR 10'-3" 10'-9" 10'-7" 10'-7" 10'-2" 10'-6"
21'-11"

ris 6'-1"x6'-1"
(10 PERSONS)

25'-7"
28'-1"
2 25'-1"
2

2'-2"
9" 2'-6" 5' 2'-6" 9" 2'-8" 5' 2'-7" 9" 2'-6" 5' 2'-7" 9" 2'-8" 5' 2'-5" 9" 2'-4" 5' 2'-4" 9" 2'-6" 5' 2'-6"
13'-8"

5'
ELEVATOR
5'-8"x4'-2" Corridor 9'-2" wide

2'-1"
(13 PERSONS)
8'-1"

2'-9"
3 3

2'-10"
25'-4"

Rental space 8

10'-10"
10'-10"X25'-4"
274.44 sq.ft.

2'-10" 9" 2'-9"

92'-7"
24'-5"

21'-8"
24'-5"
102'-6"

20'-1"

20'-1"

VOID BELOW
32'-11 x 11'-8" 25'-4"
Corridor 23'-7" wide
Rental space 9
13'-1"x25'-4"

5'
331.44 sq.ft.

13'-1"
2'-9"

2'-9"
4 4
Corridor 8' -2"wide

5'
Rental space 10
38'-11"x 32'-7"
651.85 sq.ft.
18'-11"

3'-10" 9" 3'-9" 9" 6' 6'-6" 13'-1"

3'
7'-1" 5' 5' 4'-2" 5' 5'
27'-7"

16'-9"

25'-8"
13'-5" 16'-8" 18'-9" Corridor 38'-11"

23'
7'-1" wide
8'-7"

Rental space 14 Rental space 13

Rental space 12
15'-8"

10'

13'-5"x15'-8" 13'-5"x13'-9"
16'-8"x12'-0"
13'-6"

165.00 sq.ft. 154.58 sq.ft. Rental space 11

31'-11"
15'-10"

198.61 sq.ft.
15'-9"

18'-9"x13'-0"

5 242.18 sq.ft.
janitor
4'-8"x 2'-1"
w/c
5
3'-0"x5'-5"

L. TOILET
13'-1"x13'-8"
6

2'-9"
D3 w/c
frieght lift 3'-0"x5'-0"
4'-5"

DOWN 6'-4"x5'-9" A/C

duct
500 kg ele. pl . 2'-1"x3'-0"
12'-1"
duct
11 12 13 1415 16 1718 19 20 duct 2'-2"x3'-4"

6'-6"
3'-0"x4'-4"
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 w/c
w/c 3'-0"x5'-0"
UP 3'-4"x6'-4"

G. TOILET
janitor
9'-3"

7'-5"x22'-6" 4'-2"x 2'-0"

6 26'-6"
10'-3"
7" 2'-3"
4'
22'-1"
20'-7"
2'-9" 14'-5"
17'
2'-6" 16'-6"
19'
2'-6" 19'-3"
21'-6"
2' 15'-11"
18'
2'-3" 6'-1"
1'-6"
137'

A' A A'' B C D E F F'

Y
FIRST FLOOR PLAN
EXISTING (6515 SQ. FT)
ADDED AREA (3445 SQ. FT)
TOTAL AREA ( 9960 SQ.FT)

Fig 3 : First Floor Plan

6
 Y A' A A'' B C
136' D E F F'
10'-3" 4' 20'-7" 17' 19' 21'-6" 18' 1'-6"
A''' 6'-3" 6'-4" 65'-4" 25'-6"

2'-2"
11'-2"

25'-2"

1
W 1

1'-7"
11
12
1'' 1'

25'-5"

25'-5"
25'-5"
13
14 ELEVATOR
10 15 6'-1"x9'-11" Rental space 1
9

25'-5"

25'-5"

25'-5"
16 (13 PERSONS)
8
17
10'-3"x25'-5"
7 18 260.52 sq. ft.
16'

14'-5"
6
19 Rental space 2 Rental space 3 Rental space 4 Rental space 5 Rental space 6 Rental space 7
5 20
4 10'-9"x25'-5" 10'-7"x25'-5" 10'-7"x 25'-5" 10'-2"x25'-5" 10'-6"x25'-5" 25'-1"x36'-7"
3' 273.22 sq. ft. 268.99 sq. ft. 268.99 sq. ft. 258.40 sq.ft. 266.87 sq.ft. 917.63 sq.ft.
-1 2
ad "

36'-7"
tre er -7 1 ELEVATOR
21'-11"

ris 6'-1"x6'-1" 10'-3" 10'-9" 10'-7" 10'-7" 10'-2" 10'-6"

(10 PERSONS) 25'-1"

2 2
13'-8"

13'-8"
ELEVATOR
5'-8"x4'-2" Corridor 9'-2" wide
(13 PERSONS)
8'-1"

3 3

73'-9"
25'-4"

Rental space 8

10'-10"
10'-10"X25'-4"
274.44 sq.ft.
24'-5"

24'-5"
19'-11"

102'-8"
102'-6"

20'

VOID BELOW
32'-11 x 11'-8" 25'-4"
Corridor 23'-7" wide
Rental space 9
13'-1"x25'-4"
331.44 sq.ft.

13'-1"
4 4
25'-1"
Corridor 8' -2"wide
Rental space 10
38'-8"x 32'-7"
651.85 sq.ft.
18'-11"

18'-11"
18'-7"
11' 16'-8"
27'-8"

18'-9"
Corridor
8'-1"

7'-1" wide

8'-7"
Rental space 14 Rental space 13
15'-0"x11'-0" Rental space 12
11'-0"x13'-6"
16'-8"x12'-0"
13'-6"
13'-6"

13'-6"

165.00 sq.ft. 154.58 sq.ft. Rental space 11

9'-8"
15'-10"

31'-9"
198.61 sq.ft. 38'-8"
15'-9"

15'-9"

18'-9"x12'-11"

5 242.18 sq.ft.
janitor
4'-8"x 2'-1"
w/c
5
3'-0"x5'-5"

18'-11"
L. TOILET
D3
13'-1"x13'-8"
6

16'-4"
w/c
DOWN frieght lift 3'-0"x5'-0"
4'-5"

6'-4"x5'-9" A/C
duct
11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 500 kg ele. pl . 2'-1"x3'-0"
duct
duct 2'-2"x3'-4"

10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1 3'-0"x4'-4"

w/c
UP w/c 3'-0"x5'-0"
3'-4"x6'-4"
G. TOILET
janitor
9'-3"

7'-5"x22'-6" 4'-2"x 2'-0"

16'-6" 5'-11" 24'-6" 40'-11" 46'-8"

10'-3" 4' 20'-7" 17' 19' 21'-6" 18'
6 134'-6"

A' A A'' B C D E F F'

Y
SECOND FLOOR PLAN
EXISTING (6592 SQ.FT)
ADDED AREA (3368 SQ. FT)
TOTAL AREA (9960 SQ.FT)

Fig 4 : Second Floor Plan

7
WEST ELEVATION

Fig 5 : West Elevation

8
SOUTH ELEVATION

Fig 6 : South Elevation

9
2. Literature Review
Earthquakes is the natural phenomena caused by a sudden slip on a fault resulting in the
release of seismic waves (p-wave and s-wave) from the earth’s surface. It can range from a
faint tremor to a wild motion and occurs in clusters. It dates as old as earth’s history itself,
however our knowledge and ways to minimize them is recent. With the increase in the mul-
tistorey building construction, design of earthquake resistant structures is of utmost important
to protect the life and property of the people in case of major earthquakes.

As we know structural engineering is a critical component in the design of buildings and

structures. Its main aim is to ensure that the building is safe, stable and able to withstand the
various loads and forces that it will encounter during its life time. A well design structural
system is essential for ensuring the longevity and safety of a building. Structural design gives
all the vital information regarding foundation, floors, walls, beams, roof types and the quality
of materials to ensure that any of the structures built meet all the safety requirements. A
structure with no structural design considerations will always have a high chance of failing, so
that it is very important in any project.

In any structural design of building, following are required :

Load analysis - Structural engineer conduct a thorough analysis of the loads that the building
can encounter, including the weight of the building material, furniture, equipment and people
as well as the forces of nature such as wind, earthquakes and snow. This information is very
important to determine size and strength of structural elements.
Design and material selection - Based on load analysis select appropriate materials and de-
sign for column, beam, slabs and foundation.
Building codes - This codes gives the guidelines the minimum requirements for the strength
and stability of buildings.
Safety - The safety of building is important. They should design to withstand normal loads
and unusual loads such as earthquakes and winds.
Cost effectiveness - The cost of the building should meet the requirements of the project.

10
2.1 Theory
A building is subjected to gravity loads such as dead loads and live loads and lateral loads
such as wind or earthquake loads. This loads are transferred to ground through a system of
interconnected structural members. While most of the frames are designed to carry gravity
loads, certain frames in buildings are identified to carry lateral loads more.
Gravity loads: Those loads that act perpendicular to the structural members of the building
are called gravity loads.
Lateral loads: Those loads that act horizontal to the structural member of the building are
called lateral loads.

Typical structural system in commercial building are as follows:[9]

1. Load bearing wall system: Walls provide support for all gravity loads as well as re-
sistance to lateral loads. There are no columns. The walls and partition wall supply in plane
lateral stiffness to resist wind and earthquake loading. This system lacks in providing redun-
dancy for the vertical and lateral supports, ie: if the walls fails, the vertical as well as lateral
load carrying capacity is eliminated leading to instability.

Fig 7 : Load bearing wall system [2]

2. Building with flexural shear wall system: The gravity load is carried primarily by a frame
supported on columns rather than bearing walls. Shear walls provide large strength and stiff-
ness to buildings in the direction of their orientation, which significantly reduces lateral sway
of the building and thereby reduces damage to structure and its contents.

11
 Fig 8 : Flexural shear wall system [1]

3. Moment resisting frame structure: It is a system in which members and joints are capable
of resisting vertical and lateral loads. It is suitable for low rise building and allows for large
openings and small wall sections.

Fig 9 : Moment resisting frame structure [3]

4. Dual frame structure: It has the following features:

a) A moment resisting frame providing support for gravity loads.
b) Resistance to lateral loads is provided by a specially detailed moment resisting frame(concrete
or steel) which is capable of resisting at least 25 percent of the base shear including torsion
effects.

12
 Fig 10 : Dual Frame system [3]

5. Tube system: A structural system consisting of closely spaced exterior columns tied at
each floor level with relatively deep spandrel beams.

Fig 11 : Tube System [6]

Structure analysis is the process of determining the internal forces, stresses and deforma-
tions within the a structure subjected to external loads. It involves applying principles of
mechanics, mathematics and physics to model and analyze the behaviour of the structural
components and system.

13
 Types of structural Analysis Methods:

1. Gravity Load Analysis

Gravity load analysis involves evaluating the effects of vertical loads on a structure, primarily
focusing on dead loads (permanent weights of structural and non-structural elements) and live
loads (transient loads from occupants and movable objects).

Steps for analysis:

• Determine dead and live loads based on material densities and usage guidelines.

• Calculate Load Intensities.

• Allocate loads across structural elements uniformly or variably.

• Perform static analysis to find internal forces in structural members.

• Design beams, slabs, columns, and foundations to resist calculated forces.

2. Lateral Load Analysis

Lateral load analysis evaluates the effects of horizontal forces on a structure, which primarily
include wind loads, seismic loads, and other lateral forces such as those due to soil pressure
or water pressure. This analysis is crucial for ensuring the stability and integrity of buildings
against horizontal forces that can cause significant stress and deformation. It can be catego-
rized into two types:

a. Static Analysis: Static analysis focuses on the equilibrium and stability of structure un-
der static loading conditions. It involves calculating internal forces,such as axial forces, shear
forces and bending moment, using the principles of statics and equilibrium.

b. Dynamic Analysis: Dynamic analysis considers the effect of time-varying or dynamic

loads such as wind , seismic activity, and vibrations on structural behavior. Unlike static
analysis, dynamic analysis accounts for inertia, damping, and dynamic response of structure.

14
2.2 Structural Design Philosophy
There are three philosophies for the design of RCC:

1. Working stress method:

It is also known as elastic method or modular ratio method or factor of safety method. It is
traditional method where concrete is elastic, steel and concrete acts together elastically and
the relationship between loads and stress is linear up to the collapse of the structure. For the
worst combinations of working loads the stresses created by applied loads shall not exceeds
the permissible stress of concrete and steel.
Assumptions
1) A section which is plane before bending remains plain after bending.
2) Bond between steel and concrete is perfect within the elastic limit of steel.
3) The tensile strength of concrete is ignored.
4) Concrete is elastic.
5) The modular ratio m has the value (280/3 sigma cb).

Limitations
1) Concrete is not elastic.
2) The actual stress distribution in a concrete section cannot be described by a triangular stress
diagram.
3) With the elastic theory it is impossible to determine actual factor safety with respect to
loads.
4) It is difficult to account for shrinkage and creep effects by using the working stress method.

2. Limit state method of design:

It is also known as probabilistic method of design. The structure is assumed to be collapsed
when it reaches its ultimate stress or limit state of collapse or serviceability. Different partial
factor is assigned to both materials and loads.
Design strength= characteristics strength/partial safety factor(fs)
Design loads= service loads*partial safety factor.
For concrete, fs=1.5
For steel, fs=1.15
Different partial safety factor is assigned for different types of loads and structure is analyzed
using several load combinations. Generally partial factor is taken to be 1.5 , it consists two
types of limit states.

15
a) Limit state of collapse or limit state of strength:
It refers to a condition where a structure or a structural element is on the verge of losing its sta-
bility due to external loads or other destabilizing factors. This concept is crucial in the design
and analysis of structures to ensure their safety and functionality throughout their intended
lifespan.
i) In terms of stress are limited to the values of its resisting capacity in bending, shear, tension
and axial loads.
ii) In terms of elastic or plastic instability, overturning etc are limited to stability.

b) Limit state of serviceability:

A structure must be fit for use at working loads or service loads. At this loads excessive de-
flection and cracks may cause damage to the structure itself as well as causes discomfort to
the occupants. Therefore deflection and cracks are controlled in such a way that it maintains
the serviceability of the structure.

3) Ultimate load method:

In the ultimate load method ,the working loads are increased by suitable factors to obtain ul-

16
timate load.These factors are called load factors. The structure is then designed to resist the
desired ultimate loads. This method take into account the non-linear stress-strain behavior of
concrete.

Assumptions
1) A section which is plane before bending remains plane after bending.
2) At ultimate strength stresses and strain are not proportional and distribution of compressive
stresses is non linear in a section subjected to bending.
3) Maximum fibre strength in concrete does not exceed 0.68 sigma cu.
4) Tensile strength of concrete is ignored in section subjected to bending.

Limitations
• Since loads factor is used on the working loads there is no way to account for different de-
grees of uncertainty associated with variations in material stresses.
• There is complete disregard for control against excessive deflections.

2.3 Codes Followed

1. Nepal National Building Code (NBC 105: 2020)
Nepal National Building Code NBC 105: Seismic Design of Buildings in Nepal is the out-
come of the revision of the earlier version of NBC 105: 1994 Seismic Design of Buildings in
Nepal. This code covers the requirements for seismic analysis and design of various building
structures to be constructed in Nepal. This code is applicable to all buildings, low to high rise
buildings, in general. Requirements of the provisions of this standard shall be applicable to
buildings made of reinforced concrete, structural steel, timber and masonry. [4]

2. IS 456: 2000 (Reaffirmed 2005) Plain and Reinforced Concrete

This Indian Standard code of practice deals with the general structural use of plain and rein-
forced concrete based on Limit State Design Method. According to the code, plain concrete
structures referred to those structures where reinforcement if provided is ignored for deter-
mination of the strength of the structure. This code does not cover special requirements for
the structures like bridges, chimneys, hydraulic structures, earthquake resistance buildings etc.
but allows the use of separate code for those structures in conjunction with this code. [11]

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2.4 Code based & Performance based design
Code-based design
Code-based design refers to engineering and architectural practices that strictly adhere to es-
tablished codes and standards. These codes are typically developed by regulatory bodies and
are based on historical data, industry practices, and expert consensus.This approach simplifies
the design process by offering clear guidelines and specifications, making it easier for design-
ers to follow established protocols.

Performance-based design
Performance-based design is a more general design philosophy in which the design criteria are
expressed in terms of achieving stated performance objectives when the structure is subjected
to stated levels of seismic hazard. The performance targets may be a level of stress not to be
exceeded, a load, a displacement, a limit state or a target damage state. [8]

In summary, code-based design provides a standardized, straightforward approach focused

on compliance, while performance-based design offers a flexible, goal-oriented approach that
can lead to more efficient and tailored solutions.

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3. Methodology
3.1 Planning Phase
Planning of building is grouping and arrangement of different component of a building so as
to form a homogeneous body which can meet all its function and purposes. Proper orientation,
safety, healthy, beautiful and economic construction are the main target of building planning.
It is done based on the following criteria:

3.1.1 Functional Planning

• Building design should favor with the surrounding structures and weather.

• Building is designed remaining within the periphery of building codes, municipal by-
laws and guidelines.

3.1.2 Structural Planning

The structural arrangement of building is chosen so as to make it efficient in resisting vertical
and horizontal load. The material of the structure for construction should be chosen in such a
way that the total weight of structure will be reduced so that the structure will have less inertial
force (caused during earthquake).

3.2 Load Evaluation

Once the detailed architectural drawing of building is drawn, the building subjected to differ-
ent loads is found out and the calculation of load is done. The loads on building are categorized
as below:

3.2.1 Gravity load

This includes the self-weight of the building such as structural weight, floor finish, partition
wall, other household appliances, etc. To assess these loads, the materials to be used are cho-
sen and their weights are determined based on Indian standard code of practice for design
loads (other than earthquake) for buildings and structures:

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i. IS 875 (part I):1987 Dead Loads
ii. IS 875 (part II):1987 Imposed Loads

3.2.2 Lateral Load

Lateral load includes wind load and earthquake load. Wind load acts on the elevation and roof
level while an earthquake act over the entire structure. Wind load calculation is based on IS
875 (part III):1987 and earthquake on IS 1893 (part I):2016. The dominant load is taken into
consideration for design.

3.3 Preliminary Design

Before proceeding for load calculation, preliminary size of slabs, beams and columns and the
type of material used are decided. Preliminary design of structural member is based on the IS
Code provisions for slab, beam, column, wall, staircase and footing of serviceability criteria
for deflection control and failure criteria in critical stresses arising in the sections at ultimate
limit state i.e. Axial loads in the columns, Flexural loads in slab and beams, etc. Appropriate
sizing is done with consideration to the fact that the preliminary design based on gravity loads
is required to resist the lateral loads acting on the structure.

3.4 Modeling and Analysis of structure

3.4.1 Software to be used
• ETABS for structural analysis of the building.

• SAFE for structural design of foundation and slab.

• AutoCAD for preparation of structural drawings.

3.5 Design and Detailing

• Limit State Method of Design for Reinforced Concrete Structures.

• Detailing Principle for Reinforced Concrete Structures.

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Fig 12 : Flowchart of Methodology

21
4. Proposed Work plan

Fig 13 : Gantt Chart

22
5. Expected Outcomes
The proposal presented here defines the various aspects of building design. It considers the
analysis of building in non-earthquake case as well as earthquake risk to multistorey buildings
and considers to find the safer design principles. With above mentioned procedures and design
principles multistorey building design and analysis will be carried out.

23
References
[1] Flexural shear wall system. https://theconstructor.org/structural-engg/shear-walls-
structural-forms-positioning.

[2] Load bearing wall system. https://theconstructor.org/building/load-bearing-structure-

components.

[3] Moment resisting & dual frame. https://taxonomy.openquake.org/terms/moment-frame-

lfm.

[4] Nepal national building code. https://www.moud.gov.np/pages/nepal-national-building-

code, 2020.

[5] ASCE. 2005 report card for america’s infrastructure. American Society of Civil Engi-
neers, 2005.

[6] Charles Binck, Alex Cao, and Andrea Frangi. Lateral stiffening systems for tall timber
buildings – tube-in-tube systems. Wood Material Science Engineering, 17:1–8, 06 2022.

[7] Christopher Bodeen. Taiwan earthquake. https://www.latimes.com/a-strong-earthquake-

rocks-entire-island-of-taiwan-collapsing-buildings-tsunami-alert-issued, 2023.

[8] Ahmed Ghobarah. Performance-based design in earthquake engineering: state of devel-

opment. Engineering structures, 23(8):878–884, 2001.

[9] AK Jain. Reinforced Concrete Limit State Design. Nem Chand Bros,, Mahavir Marg,
India, 6 edition, 1983.

[10] Tim Newcomb. Turkey earthquake. https://www.popularmechanics.com/turkey-

earthquake-building-collapses/, 2023.

[11] Bureau of Indian Standards. IS 456 Plain and Reinforced Concrete - code of practice.
2000.

[12] Shiva Subedi and Meen Chhetri. Impacts of the 2015 Gorkha Earthquake: Lessons
Learnt from Nepal. 05 2019.

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