DISASTER MANAGEMENT -I

01 General Principles Of Designing RCC & Masonry Buildings

Against Earthquake

02 Types Of Construction

03 Earthquake Resistant Construction Practices For Masonry

Topics : Buildings

04 Earthquake resistant Construction Practices For RCC

Buildings:

05 Modern Construction Techniques For Earthquake

Resistant Buildings:

Submitted to Submitted by
Ar. Surbhi Gupta Deepak verma
15120042
B.Arch
10th semester

School Of Architecture SBSSTC Ferozepur

01 General Principles of designing RCC & Masonry buildings
against Earthquake

Lightness
Since the earthquake force is a function of mass, the building should be as light as possible
consistent with structural safety and functional requirements. Roofs and upper storeys of
buildings in particular should be designed as light as possible.

Continuity of Construction
As far as possible, all parts of the building should be tied together in such a manner that the
building acts as one unit.
For integral action of building, roof and floor slabs should be continuous throughout as far as
possible.
Additions and alterations to the structures should be accompanied by the provision of positive
measures to establish continuity between the existing and the new construction.

Projecting and Suspended Parts

Projecting parts should be avoided as far as possible. If the projecting parts cannot be avoided,
they should be properly reinforced and firmly tied to the main structure.
Ceiling plaster should preferably be avoided. When it is unavoidable, the plaster should be as
thin as possible.
Suspended ceiling should be avoided as far as possible. Where provided, they should be light
and adequately framed and secured.

Shape of Building
In order to minimize torsion and stress concentration, the building should have a simple
rectangular plan.
It should be symmetrical both with respect to mass and rigidity so that the centre of mass and
rigidity of the building coincide with each other.
It will be desirable to use separate blocks of rectangular shape particularly in seismic zones V
and IV.
A simple and symmetrical structure , eg. A square or circle shape ,will have the greatest chance
of survival for the following reasons :
a. The ability to understand the overall earthquake behavior of a structure is markedly grater
for a simple one that its is for a complex one.
b. The ability to understand structural details is considerably greater for a simple structures
than it is for complicated ones.

• Geometrical plans of typical buildings

Preferred Building Layouts

Buildings having plans with shapes like, L, T, E and Y shall preferably be separated into
rectangular parts by providing separation sections at appropriate places.

Typical Shapes of Building with Separation Sections [IS 4326: 1993]

Buildings of great, length or plan area may not respond to earthquakes in the way calculated.
Analysis customarily assumes that the ground moves as a rigid mass over the base of the
building , but this is a reasonable assumption only for a small area. Also, the ground is
assumed to be in elastic and the propagation of seismic waves is not instantaneous. If
different parts of the building are being shaken our of step with each other, additional ,
incalculable, stresses are being imposed and effect increased with size. Thus , buildings that
are too long may be subjected to different earthquake movement simultaneously at the two
ends, leading to disastrous result. As an alternative , such buildings can be broken into a
number of separated square buildings.

The Buildings such as warehouse , having large plan area , will in addition , be subjected to
excessive horizontal seismic forces that will have to be carried by the columns and walls.
In tall buildings with large height – to – base ratio (slenderness ratio >4) , the horizontal
movement of the floor during ground shaking is large. For building with slenderness ratio less
than 4 , the movement is reasonable. The more slender a building , the worse the
overturning effect of the earthquake.
Stiffness and strength

Strength is the property of an element to resist force. Stiffness is the property of an element
to resist displacement.

When two elements of different stiffness's are forced to deflect the same amount , the stiffer
element will carry more of the total force because it takes more force to deflect it. Stiffness
greatly affects the structures uptake of earthquake – generated forces. On the basis of
stiffness, the structure may be classified as brittle or ductile. A brittle structure, having
greater stiffness, proves to be less durable during an earthquake , while a ductile structure
performs well in earthquakes.
Sudden changes in the stiffness and strength between adjacent story are very common. Such
changes are associated with setbacks, changes over the height of a structural system, changes
in story height , change in materials and unanticipated participation of non structural
components.
Buildings with vertical setbacks as shown cause a sudden jump of earthquake forces at the
level of discontinuity. A large vibrational motion takes place in some portions and a level of
discontinuity. A large vibrational motion takes place in some portions and a large diaphragm
action is required at the border to transmit forces from top to the base. The effects of the set
backs cannot be predicted by normal code equivalent static analysis.

• Setback - effect of setback cannot be predicted by normal code

Buildings that have fewer columns or walls in a particular story, or that have an unusually tall
story. Are prone to damage or collapse. One of the most common forms of discontinuity of
vertical elements occurs when shear walls that are present in upper floor are discontinued in
the lower floors.

The unequal height of columns causes twisting and damage to the short columns of the
building.
Ductility

Ductility is the capacity of building material , system , structure, or members to undergo

large inelastic deformations without significant loss of strength or stiffness. It is an
essential attribute of a structure that must respond to strong ground motions. It serves
as a shock absorber in the buildings, for it reduces the transmitted forces to a
sustainable magnitude.
The main structural elements and their connection shall be designed to have a ductile
failure. This will enable the structure to absorb energy during earthquakes to avoid
sudden collapse of the structure. Providing reinforcing steel in masonry at critical
sections, as provided in this standard will not only increase strength and stability but
also ductility.
One way of achieving ductility in structure member is by designing elements with known
limits, which deform in a ductile manner. For example in RCC members, the amount and
location of steel should be such that the failure of the member occurs by steel reaching
its strength in tension before concrete reaches its strength in compression. In RCC
buildings the seismic inertia forces generated at floor levels are transferred through the
various beams and columns to the ground. The correct building components need to
made ductile.

Horizontal vertical members

In a framed structures, horizontal members ,i.e. beams and slabs should fail prior to the
vertical members, i.e., columns. Beams and slabs generally do not fall down even after
serve damage at the plastic hinge positions, where columns will rapidly collapse under
the vertical loading once sufficient spalling has take place. Hence , continuous beams on
light columns are not appropriate in earthquake prone regions, and weak – beam-strong
columns arrangement should be the choice.

Weak beam strong columns concept

Foundations

The structure shall not be founded on such loose soils which will subside or liquefy during an
earthquake, resulting in large differential settlements.
Loose fine sand, soft silt and expansive clays should be avoided. If unavoidable, the building
shall rest either on a rigid raft foundation or on piles taken to a firm stratum. However, for light
constructions the following measures may be taken to improve the soil on which the
foundation of the building may rest: a) Sand piling, and b) Soil stabilization

Damage to Non-structural Parts

Suitable details shall be worked out to connect the non-structural parts with the structural
framing so that the deformation of the structural frame leads to minimum damage of the non-
structural elements.

Fire Safety

Fire frequently follows an earthquake and therefore buildings should be constructed to make
them fire resistant in accordance with the provisions of relevant Indian Standards for fire
safety.’
Major earthquakes can cause extreme damage to buildings and infrastructure. Earthquakes are
largely unpredictable, and large fires following earthquakes are even less predictable. Historical
records show that small fires are often initiated by earthquakes, and these sometimes grow
into large destructive fires causing loss of life and severe damage to property. The concern is
initially with fire damage in individual buildings, where the potential loss of life is much greater
in tall buildings than in low-rise buildings. A subsequent concern is with the possibility of
devastation resulting from a large urban conflagration
02 TYPES OF CONSTRUCTION

The types of construction usually adopted in buildings are as follows: a) Framed construction,
and b) Box type construction.

Framed Construction

This type of construction is suitable for multistoreyed and industrial buildings

Vertical Load Carrying Frame Construction This type of construction consists of frames with
flexible (hinged) joints and bracing members. Steel multistoreyed building or industrial frames
and timber construction usually are of this type.
Such buildings shall be adequately strengthened against lateral forces by shear walls and/or
other bracing systems in plan, elevation and sections such that earthquake forces shall be
resisted by them in any direction.
Moment Resistant Frames with Shear Walls The frames may be of reinforced concrete or steel
with semi-rigid or rigid joints. The walls are rigid capable of acting as shear walls and may be
of reinforced concrete or of brickwork reinforced or unreinforced bounded by framing
members through shear connectors.
The frame and wall combination shall be designed to carry the total lateral force due to
earthquake acting on the building. The frame acting alone shall be designed to resist at least
25 percent of the total lateral force.
The shear walls shall preferably be distributed evenly over the whole building. When
concentrated at one point, forming what is called a rigid core in the building, the design shall
be checked for torsional effects and the shear connection between the core and the floors
conservatively designed for the total shear transfer.
The shear walls should extend from the foundation either to the top of the building or to a
lesser height as required from design consideration. In design, the interaction between frame
and the shear walls should be considered properly to satisfy compatibility and equilibrium
conditions

Box Type Construction

This type of construction consists of prefabricated or in situ masonry, concrete or reinforced

concrete wall along both the axes of the building. The walls support vertical loads and also act
as shear walls for horizontal loads acting in any direction. All traditional masonry construction
falls under this category. In prefabricated construction attention shall be paid to the
connections between wall panels so that transfer of shear between them is ensured.

Box Type Construction

03 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES FOR MASONRY
BUILDINGS

Masonry is the most commonly used structural material from times immemorial. Many of the
greatest structures such as The Taj Mahal (Agra), Pyramids (Cairo, Egypt), Colosseum (Rome,
Italy) and many other structures are live examples of masonry construction from the earlier
civilization.
To ensure good seismic performance, the following conditions must be applied.
a. Walls are the weaker components and when loaded in its weaker direction can lead to
failure. In order to prevent this type of failure, it is necessary to ensure that a good bond
exists between adjacent walls so that loaded in their weak direction can take advantage of
the good lateral resistance offered by walls loaded in their strong direction. In addition, the
tendency of a wall to topple when pushed in the weak direction can be reduced by limiting
its length-to-thickness and height to thickness ratios.
b. The window and door openings serve as a weak spot in masonry walls and hence, the size
of the openings must be restricted to a minimum value. Steel bars must be provided in the
wall all around the openings to restrict the initiation and propagation of cracks.
c. The vulnerability of the junction can be improved by ensuring good interlocking of the
masonry courses.
d. d. Low porosity bricks must be used and they have to be pre-soaked before use to minimize
the amount of water drawn from the mortar.
e. The strength of the mortar binding the bricks is also one of the crucial contributing factors.
In this regard, Cement-sand mortar with lime is the most preferred mixture as this mortar
mix provides excellent workability for laying bricks, stretches without crumbling at low
earthquake shaking, and bonds well with bricks.
f. During Bhujearthquake,building configuration similar to that of a box type structure
performed well with minimal damages. This box axction is possible only when the walls are
tied to the roof and foundation to preserve their overall integrity.
g. To ensure box type action, horizontal seismic bands are provided and these bands tie all the
walls together. There are four types of bands in a typical masonry building, namely gable
band, roof band, lintel band and plinth band

Horizontal bands in a masonry building Structural Features:

04 EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT CONSTRUCTION PRACTICES FOR RC BUILDINGS:

The modern construction has been replacing the traditional masonry building units with RC
buildings. Concrete can be poured into any mould of desirable shape and the steel imparts
the necessary tensile strength to the structure. As a result, RC buildings find wide applications
and are commonly adopted in towns and cities. The RC frame is the major lateral load
resisting unit in a structure. The inertial forces induced by earthquakes are proportional to the
mass and these forces are transferred from one building component to another and get
accumulated near the base of the building. Hence, the columns and walls at lower storeys
experience higher earthquake-induced forces. The amount and location of steel in an
RCmember should be such that the failure of the member is by steel reaching its strength in
tension before concrete reaches its strength in compression. This type of failure is a
ductilefailure and hence is preferred over a failure where concrete fails first in
compression.The structures require additional ductile detailing inorder to ensure good seismic
performance
There are various types of RC structures as follows
• Designed for gravity loads only (predating seismic codes i.e. no seismic features)
• Designed with seismic features
• Frame with unreinforced masonry infill walls
• Flat slab structure
• Precast frame structure
• Frame with concrete shear walls (dual system)
• Open ground story structure
• Walls cast in-situ (shear wall buildings)
• Precast wall panel structure (shear wall buildings)
• With a load-bearing masonry
• With composite steel
• With timber, bamboo or others

In order to ensure the good seismic performance of the RC structures during an earthquake,
the following structural criteria must be satisfied.

• The failure of a column leads to the overall failure of the structure (global failure) whereas
the failure of a beam tends to have localized damage. Therefore, it is preferred to make the
beams weaker than the columns so that the failure of beams precedes column failure
providing sufficient warning for evacuation of the building. Also, repair and retrofitting of
beams is much easier than columns.
• The beam column joint is one of the potential weak zones causing immense damage to the
entire structure. Hence, an effective ductile reinforcement detailing is required for this
region. Diagonal cracking & crushing of concrete in the joints should be prevented.
Providing large column dimensions is effective in achieving good seismic performance. In
addition, closely spaced closed-loop steel ties are required around column bars to hold
together concrete in joint region and to resist shear forces.
• The building plan must be simple and regular in shape. Any form of horizontal and vertical
irregularity as illustrated in IS 1893 (2016) must be avoided.
• The grade of concrete and steel as specified in the code must be adopted for construction.
05 MODERN CONSTRUCTION TECHNIQUES FOR EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDINGS:

Prestressed concrete

members in earthquake-resistant construction - this ensures proper connection between various

components of a structure. Further, this technology has been widely adopted in New Zealand.

Shape-memory alloys –

exhibit unique characteristics desirable in an earthquake resistant building. They have the ability to
dissipate significant energy without significant degradation or permanent deformation. The most
common shape memory alloys are made of metal mixtures containing copper-zinc-aluminum-nickel,
copper-aluminum-nickel or nickel titanium. This specific smart material is being widely researched to
explore its extensive applications. The important structures such as hospitals, fire stations,and other
public buildings need to remain functional after an earthquake. In order to make this possible, the
response of the building to seismic load must be controlled using suitable control devices such as:

Base isolations

one of the widely accepted and adopted approaches for protecting the building from seismic forces.
It is a collection of structural elements responsible for decoupling superstructure from the
substructure. When the ground supporting the foundation of the building shakes, this component
undergoes lateral displacement while keeping the structure intact. There is considerable interest now
in base-isolated systems among earthquake engineers – especially in countries like Japan, USA,and
New Zealand – with an eye towards developing cheaper systems with broader applications.

Base isolation device ((Murty CVR (2005))

Seismic Dampers -

Diagonal braces in a moment resisting

frame were used as an effective lateral load
resisting system. However, recent
developments in the area of structural
seismic response control have led to the
replacement of these bracings with seismic
dampers These dampers act like the
hydraulic shock absorbers in cars – much of
the sudden jerks are absorbed in the
hydraulic fluids and only little is transmitted
above to the chassis of the car. When
seismic energy is transmitted through them,
dampers absorb part of it and reduce the
magnitude of the force acting on a
structure. Commonly used types of seismic
dampers include viscous dampers (energy is
absorbed by silicone-based fluid passing
between piston-cylinder arrangement),
friction dampers (energy is absorbed by Seismic Energy Dissipation Devices
surfaces with friction between them
rubbing against each other), and yielding
dampers (energy is absorbed by metallic
components that yield).In India, friction
dampers have been provided in an 18-story
RC frame structure in Gurgaon.

Steel Plate Shear walls –

Shear walls are considered as an essential

component of a lateral load resisting systems
and steel is well known for its ductile
behavior. Combining these two desirable
properties, an effective load resisting system
was developed and has found wide
applications in Japan and North America.
These walls are designed in such a way that
they bend instead of buckling under the
action of lateral loads. These walls are
significantly thinner and lighter, thereby
reducing the building weight. Further, these
walls need not be cured and hence, speeding
up the construction process.
Steel Plate Shear walls
Carbon Fibres –

the tensile characteristics and the stable nature of a spider web was studied by various researchers
in Japan. An Earthquake-Resistant Building Made with Carbon Fabric - resembling a giant spider web
has been constructed in Nomi City of Ishikawa Prefecture in Japan. This is the world’s first seismic
reinforcement structure made of carbon fiber material.

The use of carbon fibers for constructing an office building resembling a spider web