Comparison of seismic responses for reinforced concrete buildings with mass and stiffness irregularities using pushover and nonlinear time history analysis

Abstract

Pushover analysis or also known as nonlinear static procedures (NSP) have been recognized in recent years for practical evaluation of seismic demands and for structural design by estimating a structural building capacities and deformation demands. By comparing these demands and capacities at the performance level interest, the seismic performance of a building can be evaluated. However, the accuracy of NSP for assessment irregular building is not yet a fully satisfactory solution, since irregularities of a building influence the dynamic responses of the building. The objective of the study presented herein is to understand the nonlinear behaviour of six story RC building with mass irregularities at different floors and stiffness irregularity at first story (soft story) using NSP. For the purpose of comparison on the performance level obtained with NSP, nonlinear time history analysis (THA) were also performed under ground motion excitation with compatible to response spectra design. Finally, formation plastic hinges and their progressive development from elastic level to collapse prevention are presented and discussed.