Analysis of Method for Improving the Performance of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings During Earthquakes

Abstract

This thesis describes a method for improving the performance of reinforced concrete frame buildings during seismic events. The criteria used to assess performance were the location of plastic hinges and the controlling mechanisms, the displacement characteristics of the frames including the inters tory distortion, and the deformation of the structural elements. The goal for improved performance was to reduce hinging in columns and force the yielding into the girders, resulting in the formation of the structural mechanism. A limit analysis was used to develop the method for a strength based relationship to ensure that the structural mechanism would be the controlling mechanism for any set of frame parameters. The relationship to improve performance reduces the flexural strength of upper floor level girders in the frames a prescribed amount. Non-linear static and dynamic analyses were used to test the method on several regular reinforced concrete frames. The results indicate that the performance of the frames improved when using the method discussed in this thesis.