RC wall building structures: Comparison of first and second generation Eurocode 8 seismic design and detailing strategies

Abstract

This study provides a thorough comparative analysis of structural design strategies across different ductility classes and seismic action levels, as outlined in Eurocode 8 provisions. The analysis is carried out for 5- and 10-storey building examples. The research highlights key findings regarding base shear demand, storey displacements, sensitivity coefficients, and other crucial structural performance parameters. Those findings indicate that while buildings designed for DCM and DC3 ductility classes generally exhibit similar base shear values and roof displacements, exceptions arise, particularly in the lower-storey buildings where DC2 demonstrates significantly lower roof displacements. The influence of strut inclination on design bending moments is also noted, underscoring its significance in structural behaviour. Moreover, the study delves into interstorey drift ratio (IDR) demands from analysis, revealing consistent displacement patterns across various structures with notable implications for deflection and stability. Additionally, insights into chord rotation control, sensitivity coefficients, and reinforcement quantities shed light on their behaviour under diverse seismic conditions, aiding in optimising structural design strategies.