Abstract
Background: Low-code RC shear walls structures house a significant proportion (over 20%) of the inhabitants of Bucharest. Objective: In this research, the seismic performance of a low-code reinforced concrete shear walls structure located in various sites in Bucharest (Romania) is assessed. Methods: The seismic performance is assessed using both static and dynamic nonlinear time-history analyses, as well as detailed sectional analysis of the RC shear walls. Results: The results show that the structure has significant capacity differences in the two principal directions. Moreover, it has been observed that the maximum top displacements obtained from nonlinear time history analyses are larger in the transversal direction. Conclusion: Considering the behaviour of such structures during the 1977 Vrancea earthquake, the fact that these structures are already 40 – 50 years old and given the results of some of the analyses shown in this study, it can be concluded that immediate seismic rehabilitation measures are needed in order to correct, at least partially the structural issues of this section type.
Highlights
The Vrancea intermediate-depth earthquake of March 4, 1977 is one of the most important milestones in the development of earthquake engineering and seismic design in Romania
Considering the behaviour of such structures during the 1977 Vrancea earthquake, the fact that these structures are already 40 – 50 years old and given the results of some of the analyses shown in this study, it can be concluded that immediate seismic rehabilitation measures are needed in order to correct, at least partially the structural issues of this section type
A series of five experimental tests were performed at the Building Research Institute in Tsukuba (Japan) and at the Technical University of Civil Engineering Bucharest in the mid-2000s in the framework of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Project in Romania [19]
Summary
In the aftermath of the earthquake, a damage survey was performed on a sample of 18000 buildings from various parts. This section type was extensively built in Bucharest (a total number of 161 individual buildings with more than 8000 dwellings) during the 1960s and 1970s. Out of the total number of 161 buildings, one completely collapsed (by overturning in the transversal direction) and another seven sustained heavy or very heavy damage; nineteen other buildings experienced extensive damage according to the damage survey performed in the aftermath of the earthquake [4]. The impact of the angle of incidence on the seismic response of the analysed structure is assessed. The impact of the angle of incidence on the seismic response of various structural systems has been analysed by other authors considering several engineering demand parameters [5 - 7]. Low-code RC shear walls structures house a significant proportion (over 20%) of the inhabitants of Bucharest
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
