Seismic Performance Evaluation of RC Frames with Post-Tensioned Corner Members Using Response Spectrum Analysis

Abstract

Earthquake-resistant design of reinforced concrete (RC) buildings is an important aspect of structural engineering. This study evaluates the seismic performance of a multi-storey RC building by introducing post-tensioned corner members. A G+9 reinforced concrete building located in Seismic Zone V is modeled and analyzed using ETABS software. Two models are considered: a conventional bare RC frame and a post-tensioned corner member frame. Response Spectrum Analysis as per IS 1893:2016 is performed to compare storey displacement, storey drift, base shear, and natural time period. The results indicate that the introduction of post-tensioned corner members improves stiffness and significantly reduces lateral displacement and drift, thereby enhancing seismic performance.

Introduction

1. Reinforced concrete (RCC) framed buildings are widely used in urban infrastructure, but they may experience excessive lateral displacement, inter-storey drift, and structural damage during strong earthquakes. Various techniques, including shear walls, steel bracing, base isolation, and prestressing, have been developed to improve seismic performance. Among these techniques, post-tensioning is an effective method for enhancing structural stiffness, reducing cracking and deformation, and improving earthquake resistance by introducing compressive forces into concrete members through high-strength tendons. It can also provide self-centering behavior, which helps reduce residual deformation after an earthquake.

   The literature review highlights several studies related to prestressed concrete, post-tensioned structures, and seismic analysis. Researchers such as Lin and Burns (1981), Nilson (1987), Paulay and Priestley (1992), Chopra (2017), and Naaman (2004) established the benefits of prestressing in improving structural efficiency, controlling deflection, and enhancing seismic performance. Recent studies by Bahoria and Parbat (2013), Prajapati and Bedi (2019), Kondekar et al. (2022), Choure et al. (2024), and Dungria et al. (2024) investigated post-tensioned buildings using ETABS, focusing on parameters such as storey displacement, storey drift, stiffness, base shear, bending moments, and construction cost. Response Spectrum Analysis, in accordance with IS 1893 (Part 1):2016, is an important method for evaluating the seismic behavior of multi-storey RCC buildings.

   Despite these developments, limited research has examined the seismic performance of complete multi-storey RCC buildings strengthened with post-tensioned peripheral beams in both the X and Y directions. Previous studies have mainly focused on individual structural members, slabs, or post-tensioning in a single direction. The combined effects of bidirectional post-tensioning on lateral displacement, inter-storey drift, structural stiffness, and overall stability remain insufficiently investigated.

   Therefore, the present study aims to evaluate the seismic performance of a multi-storey RCC building using ETABS software. A conventional RCC building will be compared with models incorporating post-tensioned peripheral beams in both principal directions through Response Spectrum Analysis. The study will focus on maximum storey displacement, inter-storey drift, structural stiffness, and lateral stability. The findings are expected to establish the effectiveness of bidirectional post-tensioning as a potentially economical and efficient technique for improving the earthquake resistance of RCC buildings and to provide guidance for future structural design and retrofitting applications.

    

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2026 Yogesh Meghwal, Dr. Umesh Pendharkar, Prof. Rakesh Patwa. 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.