FINITE ELEMENT SIMULATION OF LOW-RISE SCHOOL BUILDING MODEL WITH SEISMIC LOADS INPUT

Abstract

Earthquake impacts on buildings have garnered increased attention as Malaysia experiences seismic activities, notably from nearby regions like Sumatra and within areas such as Sabah. Despite this, current Malaysian design guidelines, such as BS 8110, do not fully incorporate seismic loads. This study addresses this gap by examining the structural performance of a scaled 1:8 model of a three-storey, low-rise school building under various peak ground accelerations (PGA) from 0.1g to 1.0g. Utilizing ABAQUS finite element simulation and time-history analysis, we evaluated the seismic responses, including local deformations, von Mises stress, and principal stresses. Key findings reveal a maximum structural displacement of 10.22 mm at 1.0g PGA, with significant stress concentrations observed at the column footings, highlighting critical areas for design improvement in seismic resilience.