Seismic analysis of 3-D building frame with masonry infill and steel bracings as lateral load resisting systems

Lateral Load Resisting System (LLRS) which will supplement the behavior of moment resisting frames is important for high rise structures to resist the lateral load. Natural phenomenon like earthquake causes damage to or collapse of buildings if not designed for lateral loads resulting due to Earthquake. Shear walls, Infill frames and Steel bracings are some of the LLRS commonly used. An attempt is made in the present study, to analyze the structural behavior of 3-dimensional (3D) single-bay-four-bays, 10 storey basic moment resisting RC frames when provided with Masonry infill and Steel bracings as LLRS. The detailed investigations are carried out for zone V of Seismic zone of India, considering primary loads and their combinations. Four models are analyzed consisting of one basic moment resisting RC frame and other three include basic moment resisting RC frame with Masonry Infill (idealized as diagonal compressive strut), External and Internal Steel Bracings. The results obtained from the linear dynamic analysis are thoroughly investigated for maximum values of joint displacements, support reactions, column forces, beam forces, forces in truss elements and dynamic properties. Better resistance to lateral load of the frames in the presence of LLRS is observed from the results obtained. Copyright © 2008 by the International Institute of Informatics and Systemics.