Applicability of DDBD approach on low-rise RC buildings situated in Indian seismic regions

Abstract

Design of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings with a direct-displacement-based design (DDBD) method has been used extensively for the last few decades around the world. As compared to force-based design (FBD) method, DDBD provides advantages in cost-reduction, construction timing, and better structural performance. This paper investigates the DDBD methodology for G + 3 storied RC buildings, having different structural configurations by varying bays in the longitudinal and transverse directions, but having the same total plan area. The selected case-study RC buildings are analysed via non-linear time history analysis considering seismicity of zone-V of Indian regions. A suite of different spectrum compatible ground motions is used. The seismic behaviour has been analysed in terms of base-shear ratio, ductility demand, displacement profiles and drift ratios. The results illustrate that the DDBD procedure proves to be useful in designing RC buildings situated in seismic regions of India and are competent enough to withstand lateral forces due to seismic excitations.