Performance of RC frame structure with various beam to column flexural capacity ratio – a case study

Abstract

The effectiveness of various Strong Column Weak Beam (SCWB) factors to enhance seismic performance is assessed for Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame building structures. In this study five RC frame buildings of different storey numbers have been analysed using different column overdesign factors. The results are compared as the influence of various SCWB factor over the expected performance of selected RC frame buildings in terms of enhancement in capacity and failure mechanism. With the lower value of SCWB factor insignificant change in capacity curve is observed while gradual improvement is observed with the higher factors. In terms of failure mechanism gradual change from column failure mechanism to beam failure is observed but the hinge formation at the base of bottom storey column is seen even with the higher value of SCWB factor. The effectiveness of alternative method of column flexural capacity enhancement by proposed modified SCWB (MSCWB) was also studied. MSCWB is found to be more effective in terms of enhancement in capacity curve and failure mechanism.