Evaluating the Seismic Performance of Low-Rise Concrete Buildings Using Nonlinear Static Analysis

Abstract

Linear force-based analysis is the conventional method for seismic design in building codes, but it has limitations in accurately predicting the seismic behaviour of buildings, especially during strong earthquakes. While nonlinear time history analysis (NTHA) is theoretically more accurate, it is limited by high computational costs and the challenge of selecting appropriate ground motion records. Nonlinear static pushover analysis (NSPA) has become a popular and simpler alternative for evaluating building performance during earthquakes, but it lacks a rigorous theoretical foundation and does not account for dynamic effects. This study aims to investigate the accuracy of NSPA in predicting the seismic behaviour of low-rise concrete buildings with 3 and 5 storeys located in a high seismic hazard zone in Indonesia. The research focuses on addressing the limitations of current methods for seismic design and evaluation of low-rise concrete buildings and aims to compare the accuracy of NSPA and NTHA in predicting the global and local responses of the buildings. Commercial finite element software is used to perform pushover analysis considering both geometric and material nonlinearity. The study's findings demonstrate that pushover analysis is slightly less conservative than NTHA in predicting the seismic response of low-rise concrete buildings. The research provides insights into the use of pushover analysis as an effective and simplified method for seismic evaluation and design of low-rise concrete buildings, while also highlighting the importance of understanding the limitations and accuracy of the method. These findings can be used to improve the seismic design of low-rise concrete buildings and enhance their safety during seismic events.