Evaluation of Strong Column Factors for RC Frames Based on Seismic Vulnerability Analysis

Abstract

Augmenting the flexural strength of columns in the seismic design of reinforced concrete (RC) moment resisting frames is a key measure among all the detailing procedures of seismic capacity design, which induces the desirable beam side-sway mechanism for the structure to dissipate energy during a strong earthquake. The objective of this paper is to assess the influence of various strong column factors which is employed to perform seismic vulnerability analysis to the seismic performance of a six-story deterministic RC frame structure. Seismic vulnerability analyses indicate that augmenting the flexural strength of columns is an effective measure to improve seismic performance of RC frame structures. Increasing strong column factor improves the displacement capacity of structure and induces the biggish grads between the different damage limit states, which provide caution to prevent the abrupt collapse of structure during a strong earthquake. Seismic vulnerability curves provide the quantitative criterion for evaluating the seismic performance of structure and choosing appropriate target strong column factor.