EVALUATION OF THE SEISMIC BEHAVIOR FOR REINFORCED CONCRETE FRAMES

Abstract

The seismic behavior factor, R (noted q in the Europeanseismic design code, the Eurocode 8), also called reductionfactor, is introduced in the seismic design codes to reducethe elastic design forces obtained from a linear elasticanalysis in order to take into account the hystereticdissipative capacity of a structure through plasticdeformations during a seismic event. The seismic designcodes assign a unique inclusive value of this factor in afunction of the type of lateral-resisting system and constituent materials of a structure. The aim of the presentpaper is to evaluate the seismic behavior factor forreinforced concrete frame structures using pushoveranalysis, with the consideration of predefined failurecriteria.The study is led with the consideration of three planreinforced concrete frames having different heights. Theyhave the same number of bays but of different number ofstories. It consists of three-, six-, and nine-storeyreinforced concrete frames, considered as low-, medium-,and height-rise frame, respectively.The results show that the value of the seismic behaviorfactor depends, among others parameters, on the height ofa structure, which parameter is not taken into account bythe seismic design codes. Thus, his value is low as theheight of a structure is important.