Seismic behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings on hill slopes in Nepal | |
| Author | Shakya, Yogesh |
| Call Number | AIT Thesis no.ST-24-02 |
| Subject(s) | Reinforced concrete construction--Nepal Earthquake resistant design--Nepal |
| Note | A thesis submitted in partial fulfillment of the requirements for the degree of Master of Engineering in Structural Engineering |
| Publisher | Asian Institute of Technology |
| Abstract | This thesis explores the seismic behavior of hillside buildings in Nepal, a region prone to earthquakes. The focus is on low-rise residential structures commonly found in hilly areas, where seismic design inadequacies prevail. The research identifies the unique features of hillside buildings, such as vertical and plan irregularities, highlighting the impact of topography on seismic vulnerability.To address the intricate seismic behavior of these structures, the study suggests employing nonlinear seismic performance evaluation methods - specifically, Nonlinear Static Pushover Analysis (NSP) and Nonlinear Time History Analysis (NLTHA). The most representative case study building is analyzed using these methods to evaluate key issues in Step back buildings. Subsequently, the building undergoes redesign, and its performance is re-evaluated using NSP and NLTHA, followed by a comparison with a control building to assess improvements in seismic resilience.Modal Analysis for the control building was conducted to check the dynamic characteristics of step back building and to compare its characteristics with its flat building counterparts. It concluded that the mass participation of step back buildings is low because of the irregularity possessed by it and the dynamic characteristics of the step back building matches with the flat building having number of storey equal to its shorter side. The results from series of analysis starting from Linear Dynamic to NSP and to NLTHA proved that the building possesses a serious risk if not designed properly. Specifically, short columns are prone to damage and uplift, and the storey at road level is vulnerable as it acts as a plane where shear is maximum.The study demonstrated that observed issues could be eliminated with certain design changes, acknowledging the seismic behavior of these buildings. The implementation of a Capacity-Based Design approach, coupled with simpler modifications such as enhancing the shear capacity of columns and eliminating the soft storey, resulted in improved structural performance. This enhancement was evident when comparing the seismic demand parameters of the designed building with the control building. |
| Year | 2024 |
| Type | Thesis |
| School | School of Engineering and Technology |
| Department | Department of Civil and Infrastucture Engineering (DCIE) |
| Academic Program/FoS | Structural Engineering (STE) /Former Name = Structural Engineering and Construction (ST) |
| Chairperson(s) | Krishna, Chaitanya;Anwar, Naveed (Co-chairperson) |
| Examination Committee(s) | Punchet Thammarak;Pennung Warnitchai |
| Scholarship Donor(s) | AIT Scholarships |
| Degree | Thesis (M. Eng.) - Asian Institute of Technology, 2024 |