Comparative Seismic Performance and Cost Evaluation of RC Structures in Seismic Zone II: Bare Frame, Shear Wall System, and Diaphragm Modeling using ETABS: A Review

Abstract

In this thesis, a G+12 (13-storey) RC building located in Seismic Zone II with medium soil conditions is analyzed using ETABS. Three structural models are considered: a bare frame, a frame with shear walls, and a frame with diaphragm action. The seismic response of these models is compared based on key parameters including bending moment, shear force, axial force, torsion, story drift, story displacement, reinforcement quantity, and per floor cost. The inclusion of quantity and cost parameters enables a comprehensive assessment of both structural performance and economic efficiency. The analysis results indicate that the structure with shear walls and diaphragm action exhibits superior performance by significantly reducing story drift and displacement, while also requiring a lower quantity of reinforcement. Consequently, this model results in the minimum construction cost compared to the diaphragm-only and bare frame systems. This study confirms that the integration of shear walls enhances not only seismic safety but also material efficiency and cost-effectiveness, making it a preferred solution for earthquake-resistant RC building design.

Introduction

The text emphasizes the importance of earthquake-resistant design in protecting structures and human life from seismic hazards. Earthquakes impose severe lateral forces on buildings, often causing failures at critical points such as beam–column joints, which can lead to partial or total structural collapse. Among various seismic-resisting systems, shear walls play a crucial role in enhancing lateral load resistance, stiffness, and overall structural stability.

The literature review highlights extensive research on seismic analysis and design using advanced software such as ETABS and STAAD Pro. Studies consistently show that incorporating shear walls, bracing systems, base isolation, and dampers significantly improves seismic performance by reducing storey displacement, drift, and base shear. Proper placement and configuration of shear walls—particularly avoiding corner placements that increase overturning moments—are critical for optimal performance.

Research also emphasizes:

• The importance of analyzing irregular buildings in plan and elevation.

• The benefits of base isolation systems in reducing storey shear and improving structural response.

• The use of response spectrum and time history analysis for accurate seismic evaluation.

• The need to account for infill walls and diaphragm discontinuities in seismic modeling.

• The growing adoption of performance-based design principles and advanced damping systems.

Earlier foundational studies introduced concepts such as capacity design, nonlinear response analysis, energy dissipation through hysteretic dampers, and base isolation technologies. Modern trends focus on performance-based engineering, probabilistic hazard assessment, improved analytical tools, and the use of innovative materials and control systems.

Conclusion

“In this paper, we reviewed several research studies related to our topic.Various software tools and analytical methods were examined. The review helped us understand existing approaches and findings in this area”.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Yash Mehra, Abhay Kumar Jha. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.