The effect of vertical aspect ratio of RC Structures on the Performance Levels using Pushover Analysis

Abstract

The effect of earthquakes in the present date had special attention in the evaluating process of the damage degree or collapse in the structures. It needs clear indications for evaluating the adequacy for existing buildings. To reduce the severe damage and stability loss, more preparations are required for safe buildings. During the earthquake, the building behaviors critically depend on building size, shape and the geometry. The pushover method is classified as nonlinear type and it is becoming a common tool used to evaluate the seismic performance for new and existing structures. The study shows the effect of building height to plan length ratio (height/length) on the base shear force, displacement, performance point and plastic hinge formation. Four buildings were compared with same seismic conditions Ca and Cv equal to 0.4, the plans of vertical aspect ratio of 0.5,1, 1.5 and 2 with plan dimension 18 m × 18 m having same area of 324 m2. The results show a proportional value of displacement against height, while the base shear force has nearly close values for different height with small increments. The behaviors of hinges mean that the building height increments make the building be more flexible and had more energy absorption.