Title: Gravity-Load-Designed Reinforced Concrete Buildings--Part I: Seismic Evaluation of Existing Construction

Author(s): Sashi K. Kunnath, Garret Hoffmann, Andrei M. Reinhorn, and John B. Mander

Publication: Structural Journal

Volume: 92

Issue: 3

Appears on pages(s): 343-354

Keywords: buildings; confined concrete; ductility; reinforced concrete; earthquake-resistant structures; joints (junctions); damage; shear properties; strength; Structural Research

DOI: 10.14359/1135

Date: 5/1/1995

Abstract:
The seismic performance of nonductile reinforced concrete frame buildings in regions of low to moderate seismicity is evaluated. Several significant aspects of nonductile detailing are modeled using rational simplifications of expected member behavior at critical sections to facilitate a complete inelastic time history analysis of the system. The detailing configurations included in the analysis are: discontinuous positive flexural reinforcement, lack of joint shear reinforcement, and inadequate transverse reinforcement for column core confinement. Seismic evaluations of three-, six-, and nine-story buildings are carried out under low- to moderate earthquake excitations. The essential parameters of the response are presented with a view to identifying vulnerability of such buildings to a potential seismic design event.