Study on Empirical Formulas and Distribution Ranges of Vibration Periods in High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Constructions

Abstract

ABSTRACT China is now undergoing the largest and fastest urbanization process in the world, developing various reinforced concrete high-rise buildings during this process. Most high-rise structures are constructed in densely populated and economically active areas and earthquakes pose a potential possibility of serious economic loss and casualties, which cannot be ignored. This paper conducts on-site dynamic tests on 129 high-rise RC buildings in eastern China by utilizing ambient vibration measurement. Fundamental vibration periods, second vibration periods, and third vibration periods are statistically analyzed in translational directions based on two high-rise building types: shear wall slab building and shear wall tower building (including framed shear wall structures and framed tube structures). After fully considering building usage conditions and comparing the fitting formulas in existing codes, fitting empirical formulas of the vibration periods in two translational directions based on the above structural types are given. The ratio distribution ranges of vibration periods are calculated by utilizing the vertex displacement method, concentrated mass method, and Rayleigh-Ritz energy method. In addition, by analyzing the vibration period ratio in horizontal directions of 543 high-rise RC buildings, different ranges are distinguished as well as suggested boundaries are given. The conclusion of this paper provides a reference and convenient method for future on-site dynamic testing and a new proposal is provided to the empirical formula of vibration period in the current building seismic design code.