Civil Engineering and Architecture Vol. 11(6), pp. 3430 - 3450
DOI: 10.13189/cea.2023.110615
Reprint (PDF) (2093Kb)


Optimizing Seismic Bracing Systems for Reinforced Concrete Buildings Based on Height and Seismic Zone


Yassine Razzouk *, Mohamed Ahatri , Khadija Baba , Ahlam El Majid
Civil Engineering and Environment Laboratory (LGCE), Mohammadia School of Engineering, Mohammed V University Rabat, Morocco

ABSTRACT

The design of earthquake-resistant buildings has always been a critical aspect of structural engineering, especially in regions prone to seismic activity. The use of reinforced concrete (RC) structures as a seismic-resistant system has been widely adopted due to their strength, stiffness, and ductility. One of the critical components in RC buildings is the bracing system, which plays a vital role in resisting the lateral loads generated during an earthquake. In this article, we will discuss the importance of using different types of bracing in RC buildings, their response to seismic loads, and the limitations imposed by building codes and standards. We will also present a study, in which we modeled various RC building structures with different types of bracing using finite element software. Our objective was to evaluate the best bracing option for a given structure based on the seismic zone and the number of stories. We analyzed and compared the global displacements of the stories and the additional mass of materials required to stabilize the structure for buildings with 3, 6, 9, and 12 stories. After a detailed analysis, we concluded that RC buildings using a shear wall bracing system are more suitable for structures taller than 21 meters. On the other hand, buildings using a moment-resisting frame bracing system are more effective for structures with no more than six stories. The detailed results presented in this article can facilitate the work of architects and designers who must perform complex calculations to arrive at the right bracing system, saving them valuable time. Moreover, our study may influence building codes and standards to evolve and include more tailored guidelines for bracing types based on the seismic zone and building height.

KEYWORDS
Bracing Systems, Seismic Area, Earthquake, Columns, Shear Walls, Reinforced Concrete Buildings

Cite This Paper in IEEE or APA Citation Styles
(a). IEEE Format:
[1] Yassine Razzouk , Mohamed Ahatri , Khadija Baba , Ahlam El Majid , "Optimizing Seismic Bracing Systems for Reinforced Concrete Buildings Based on Height and Seismic Zone," Civil Engineering and Architecture, Vol. 11, No. 6, pp. 3430 - 3450, 2023. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2023.110615.

(b). APA Format:
Yassine Razzouk , Mohamed Ahatri , Khadija Baba , Ahlam El Majid (2023). Optimizing Seismic Bracing Systems for Reinforced Concrete Buildings Based on Height and Seismic Zone. Civil Engineering and Architecture, 11(6), 3430 - 3450. DOI: 10.13189/cea.2023.110615.