Comparative Study on Seismic Behaviour of Multi-Storey Buildings with Composite Columns and Steel Columns

Abstract

The rapid growth of multi-storey buildings in seismic regions has increased the importance of earthquake-resistant structural systems. The behaviour of structures during earthquake loading depends mainly on stiffness, strength, ductility, and stability. Therefore, selection of an efficient structural system is essential for minimizing seismic damage and ensuring structural safety. The present study investigates the seismic performance of a typical multi-storey moment resisting framed structure with steel columns and composite columns. A G+12 storey building model is analyzed using ETABS software under seismic loading conditions. The seismic analysis is carried out by adopting the equivalent static method in accordance with the provisions of IS 1893:2002 for Seismic Zone III. Two different three-dimensional structural models are developed using different column systems, namely steel columns and concrete-filled steel tube (CFST) composite columns. Both models are subjected to identical loading and boundary conditions to evaluate their structural response during earthquake excitation. The comparison between the structural systems is performed using important seismic parameters such as base shear, storey displacement, storey drift, roof displacement, and overturning moment. The analytical results indicate that composite column structures provide improved stiffness and reduced lateral deformation compared to conventional steel column structures. The study concludes that composite structural systems exhibit better seismic performance and enhanced structural stability for multi-storey buildings located in earthquake-prone regions. The findings of this work can be useful for structural engineers and researchers in the selection and design of efficient earthquake-resistant building systems.

Introduction

This study focuses on the seismic performance of multi-storey buildings and evaluates the effectiveness of steel columns and composite columns in earthquake-resistant construction. Earthquakes generate significant horizontal forces and vibrations that can cause structural damage, especially in tall buildings. As urbanization continues to increase the construction of high-rise structures, ensuring adequate strength, stiffness, and stability under seismic loading has become a critical engineering requirement.

The need for the study arises from the growing demand for safe and economical earthquake-resistant buildings. Key objectives include improving seismic safety, reducing structural displacement, enhancing stiffness and stability, and identifying efficient structural systems suitable for seismic regions. Comparative analysis of steel and composite structural systems helps engineers select appropriate designs for better earthquake performance.

Steel structures are widely used in high-rise buildings due to their high tensile strength, ductility, and ability to absorb seismic energy. Previous research has shown that steel frames perform well during earthquakes because of their flexibility and energy dissipation capacity. However, excessive lateral displacement and storey drift may occur in taller steel buildings, affecting structural stability.

Several studies reviewed in the literature indicate that composite structural systems generally outperform conventional steel systems. Research using structural analysis software demonstrated that composite buildings experience lower storey displacement, greater stiffness, and shorter natural time periods. Experimental investigations on composite columns further revealed improved load-carrying capacity and enhanced ductility under cyclic loading conditions.

The study considers M30 grade concrete and Fe500 grade steel as the primary construction materials. Concrete provides compressive strength and stiffness, while steel contributes tensile strength and ductility. The elastic modulus of concrete is calculated using the relation:

Ec=5000fckE_c = 5000\sqrt{f_{ck}}Ec?=5000fck??

where EcE_cEc? is the elastic modulus and fckf_{ck}fck? is the characteristic compressive strength of concrete.

The structural systems analyzed include steel column structures and composite column structures. Composite columns combine steel and concrete so that both materials act together to resist loads efficiently. Compared with steel columns, composite columns offer higher stiffness, better fire resistance, lower lateral displacement, greater load-carrying capacity, and superior seismic resistance while maintaining high ductility.

References

[1] IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016, Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. [2] IS 456: 2000, Plain and Reinforced Concrete – Code of Practice, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. [3] IS 800: 2007, General Construction in Steel – Code of Practice, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. [4] IS 875 (Part 1 & Part 2): 1987, Code of Practice for Design Loads, Bureau of Indian Standards, New Delhi. [5] ETABS Reference Manual, Computers and Structures Inc. [6] Duggal, S.K., Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures, Oxford University Press. [7] Chopra, A.K., Dynamics of Structures: Theory and Applications to Earthquake Engineering, Pearson Education. [8] Wang, Y.C., Steel and Composite Structures, CRC Press. [9] Salmon, C.G. and Johnson, J.E., Steel Structures: Design and Behaviour, Pearson Publications. [10] Varghese, P.C., Advanced Reinforced Concrete Design, PHI Learning Pvt. Ltd. [11] Research articles from

Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Siriginidi Sai Kumar. 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.