Nonlinear analysis of existing reinforced concrete buildings that irregular in plan and vertically

Determining the performances of existing reinforced concrete buildings under the seismic effect is important in terms of preventing loss of life and property that may occur in future earthquakes. Especially, it is more difficult to determine the seismic performances and behaviors of buildings having irregularities in the structural system. In this thesis study, seismic performances of existing reinforced concrete buildings that have A3 and B2 irregularities defined in Turkish Building Earthquake Code-2018 are investigated by non-linear analysis methods. Floor plan, story heights, material properties and section details of the structural members are taken as common for each irregularity situation. SAP2000 structural analysis program is utilized in the computer analyses. Performance analyses have been performed for two local soil classes. Besides, reinforced concrete buildings with A3 and B2 types of irregularities are modelled as 3, 5 and 7 stories. Single mode pushover method which is one of the non-linear analysis procedures is used to determine the seismic performance. Plasticization regions and plastic hinge definitions that are effective in the determination of seismic performance are carried out for each structural member according to lumped plasticity model. As a result of the performance analysis, the earthquake performances of the existing reinforced concrete buildings in different soil classes have been investigated for each irregularity situation. In addition, seismic performances of the existing reinforced concrete buildings with different story numbers and building heights in the same soil class have also been evaluated. Obtained analysis results have been comparatively presented by tables and figures according to different local soil classes and building heights and suggestions have been proposed for future studies.