The Effects of Architectural-Structural Non-Conformance of the Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings in the Preliminary Seismic Design Stage (State of the Art)

Reinforced Concrete (RC) Frame structures are one of the main Seismic-Resistant (SR) structural systems used by structural engineers. In these conditions, the current research study highlights the importance architectural-structural conformation of Moment-Resisting (MR) RC Frame structures in preliminary seismic design stage, so that in the current practice often results MR RC Frame buildings with increased sensitivity to earthquake. Thus, the seismic response of this structural system type required to real earthquakes was studied in parallel with seismic design specifications for RC structures, developed in P100-1 and EC 8 seismic norms. The observations regarding the effects of the inadequate architectural-structural conformation of the MR RC Frame structures overlapped with examples of real structures executed in the Iasi area (Romania). Thus, it was concluded that non-compliance with the conditions of architectural-structural conformation of MR RC Frame systems leads to seismic design of the building for lower values of seismic action and non-existent high ductility of the structure. In these conditions, the lateral structure develops a non-ductile seismic response with local and global collapse mechanisms (general torsion; weak floor/ground floor).