Evaluation of Seismic performance of RC setback frames

Abstract

When the irregularities occurred in buildings, affect their seismic performance. This paper has focused on one of the types of irregularities at the height that named setback in elevation. For this purpose, several multistorey Reinforced Concrete Moment Resisting Frames (RCMRFs) with different types of setbacks were designed according to new edition of Iranian seismic code. The nonlinear time history analysis was performed to predict the seismic performance of frames subjected to seven input ground motions. The assessment of the seismic performance was done considering both global and local criteria. Results showed that the current edition of Iranian seismic code needs to be modified in order to improve the seismic behaviour of reinforced concrete moment resisting setback buildings. It was also shown that the maximum damages happen at the elements located in the vicinity of the setbacks. Therefore, it is necessary to strengthen these elements by appropriate modification of Iranian seismic code.