Abstract:
Building frames constructed in highly seismic zones are vulnerable to severe
earthquakes and their susceptibilities to seismic effects are more pronounced if the
building frames are ‘irregular’ in mass (i.e. non-uniform distribution of storey masses
along the building height). Irregularity in storey mass may arise due to variation in
floor use patterns e.g. residential, parking, commercial/shopping, etc. or due to
conversion of existing floor(s) use, for similar requirements. Thus it becomes
imperative and pertinent, to conduct detailed seismic analysis of such irregular
buildings, before certifying them suitable for use. The detailed seismic analysis has been carried by using the most accurate method of seismic analysis i.e. Nonlinear Time History Analysis using Force Analogy Method (an efficient in computational time algorithm). It has been observed that maximum seismic responses occurred around 40% building height. Further location of mass irregular floor at 40% building height is found to be the most critical.
