Drift, strain limits and ductility demands for RC moment frames designed with displacement-based and force-based design methods

This paper presents the results of the non-linear time history analysis of six different reinforced concrete moment frames. The frames were designed using direct displacement-based design (DDBD) and traditional force-based design methods. Frames of 4–12 storeys tall and with two and three bays were studied. The interstorey drifts, displacements, and material strains obtained from the analyses of the frames designed using both design methods are compared. The implications of code implied ductility and allowable drifts were also studied. Target steel tensile strains and interstorey drifts for the frames designed using DDBD correlated well with the values obtained from the analyses.