Evaluation of target displacements in different seismic design codes based on time history analyses for RC buildings

Earthquakes are among the most destructive natural disasters, directly threatening the safety of structures. Accurate estimation of the seismic performance of buildings is critical to minimizing loss of life and property. Major earthquakes have caused severe damage in recent years, particularly in regions with weak building stock. This study compared nonlinear analysis methods for reinforced concrete building models with 3, 6, and 9 stories. The structural analyses were conducted using the SAP2000 finite element software. Each model was subjected to both nonlinear static pushover analysis and nonlinear time-history analysis. 11 different ground-motion records were used for the time-history analyses. The resulting maximum displacement and plastic hinge distributions were evaluated. In the static pushover analysis, target displacement values recommended by TBEC-2018, ASCE 41-13, ATC-40, FEMA- 356, and FEMA-440 were taken. For each target displacement, the maximum displacement and the number of plastic hinges (categorized as IO, LS, and CP performance levels) were determined separately for beams and columns for each story. These results were compared for each earthquake and for the average of all 11 ground motions. As a result, the study identifies that ASCE 41-13 and ATC-40 provide the most accurate convergence to the time history analysis results for Model 1, while ASCE 41-13 provides it for Model 2, and ATC-40 provides it for Model 3, with less than 2% difference in terms of maximum displacements.