Comparative seismic analysis of reinforced concrete buildings with varied geometry of structural members

This thesis presents a comparative seismic analysis of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings designed with varying configurations of key structural elements, including beams, columns, slabs, and shear walls. The study focuses on how changes in the geometric dimensions of these components impact the overall earthquake response of RC structures. A total of eight distinct building models are developed using SAP2000, each sharing the same basic floor layout but differing in the design of one or more structural elements. To ensure a consistent basis for comparison, all models are analyzed under identical seismic loading conditions defined by the Turkish Earthquake Code of 2018. The findings show that structural geometry plays a significant role in how buildings perform during seismic events. For instance, certain shear wall placements contributed to higher stiffness and better Driftt control, while optimized slab configurations improved force distribution across floors. Likewise, adjustments to beam and column dimensions has notable effects on ductility and overall structural integrity. Rather than focusing solely on code compliance, this research emphasizes the importance of strategic design choices in enhancing seismic resilience. The study provides practical insights for engineers and designers, highlighting how thoughtful changes to individual elements can collectively improve a building's capacity to withstand earthquakes. By grounding the analysis in a widely used structural software and aligning it with a current national standard, the results offer both relevance and applicability to real-world engineering practice. Ultimately, the thesis supports a more holistic approach to structural design—one that values the relationship between geometry, performance, and safety in earthquake-prone regions. These insights are especially valuable in today's world, where urban density and seismic risk often intersect. As cities continue to grow, designing safer, smarter buildings becomes not just a challenge, but a responsibility. The methodology used in this study can also be adapted to different structural systems or seismic zones in future research. Moreover, it opens the door to optimization studies aimed at balancing cost, safety, and performance. This work contributes meaningfully to the ongoing development of earthquake-resistant design strategies in modern civil engineering.