Earthquake Response Evaluation of RC Frames using High Strength Steel

To achieve better structural performance, lesser damage along with minimum residual displacements is a main objective of earthquake resistant design. In ordinary steel reinforced concrete frames, chances of severe damage because of the lower strength of conventional steel are always present during strong earthquakes. With the invention of high-strength steel (HSS) it can be anticipated that its introduction in the structures will reduce the degree of damage against strong motions. However, its role towards improved seismic behavior needs to be investigated. In order to realize the response benefits against earthquakes three, six and ten story two bays bare concrete frames reinforced with HSS in columns are compared with the equivalent ordinary steel reinforced frames. Nonlinear static pushover and time history analysis are performed. The results reveal that the HSS reinforced frames have more lateral resistance with reduced residual displacements. Yielding at the column ends and probable story failure mechanisms are prevented. It is envisaged that efficient use of HSS in columns can yield safer structures. Further the potential danger of complete collapse can be reduced.