Case studies on the seismic behavior of reinforced concrete chevron braced framed buildings

In this paper the authors summarize the results of a study devoted to evaluate, using nonlinear dynamic analyses, the seismic behavior of six reinforced concrete moment resisting chevron braced framed buildings (RC-MRCBFs). Buildings are regular and were designed using a proposed capacity design methodology adapted to the seismic, reinforced concrete and steel guidelines of current Mexico’s Federal District Code (MFDC-04) and the Manual of Civil Structures (MOC-2008). RC-MRCBFs were assumed to be located in three different soil conditions in Mexico and were designed for a specific shear strength ratio between the bracing system and the moment frame system according to the recommendations available in MFDC and proposed in previous studies. Two-dimensional models that account for the interaction among frames were used for the nonlinear dynamic analyses of the capacity-designed buildings using RUAUMOKO software. Several artificial records corresponding to the maximum credible earthquake associated to the design spectra were used to carry out the nonlinear dynamic analysis. From the results obtained, it is possible to conclude that if capacity design principles and specific design parameters for the new design of RC-MRCBFs are used, suitable global ductility capacities and overstrength demands are obtained, and a satisfactory structural performance is achieved.

► The seismic behavior of RC-MRCBFs, using nonlinear dynamic analyses, is evaluated.
► Proposed story drifts for collapse and serviceability limit state seems to be adequate.
► Proposed overstrength factor for the design of ductile RC-MRCBFs seems to be adequate.
► It is possible to design low and medium rise ductile RC-MRCBFs buildings.
► For taller buildings the expected failure mechanism did not correlate completely well.