Seismic performance of a reinforced concrete frame building in China

This paper investigates the seismic performance of a multi-story reinforced concrete frame building designed according to the provisions of the current Chinese seismic code (GB50011-2010). A typical five-story reinforced concrete frame building is designed. Seven natural earthquake acceleration records, selected and adjusted for compatibility with the adopted design spectrum, are used. The frame structure is evaluated using both a nonlinear static (push-over) analysis and nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis. The assessment of seismic performance is based on both global and member level criteria. According to the numerical results, the building frame designed by GB50011-2010 provides the inelastic behavior and response intended by the code and satisfies the interstory drift and maximum plastic rotation limits suggested by ASCE/SEI 41-06. However, the push-over analysis indicated the potential for a soft first story mechanism under significant lateral demands. Design recommendations are provided to help ensure the preferred strong-column, weak-beam damage mechanism.