Effect of subterranean levels on the dynamic response of RC-MRF buildings

Abstract

The dynamic response of reinforced concrete moment resisting frame (RC-MRF) building structures is mostly altered by the substructure system such as the type of foundations and features of subterranean levels, as well as subsurface soil conditions. The majority of low-to high-rise buildings, in urban areas, are designed with one or multi-level subterranean levels for parking and other services. However, many designers overlooked incorporating these subterranean levels and soils in the seismic resistance analysis assuming that the building is fixed at the ground surface. The present study assessed the effect of the subterranean levels on the dynamic response of RC-MRF buildings. Several two-dimensional (2D) nonlinear finite element seismic response analyses were carried out in ABAQUS software for medium-rise buildings without and with one to multi-level subterranean levels resting on a deep homogenous soft soil profile under the effect of strong seismic input motion. It was observed that the subterranean levels considerably alter the dynamic characteristics and demands of the building structures. Hence, explicitly incorporating the subterranean components and foundation soil during the seismic resistance design of building structures is important.