Abstract
Under seismic loading, floor and roof systems in reinforced concrete (RC) buildings act as diaphragms to transfer earthquake loads to the vertical lateral force resisting system (LFRS). In current practice, horizontal diaphragms are typically assumed to be rigid, thus neglecting the effect of the in-plane movement of the diaphragms relative to the vertical LFRS. This study focuses on evaluating the impact of diaphragm flexibility on the structural response of typical RC structures. RC building models with end shear walls for 3-story and 5-story buildings with 2:1 and 3:1 aspect ratios have been constructed and designed according to current code procedures assuming a rigid diaphragm. The performance-based design criteria outlined in the NEHRP Guidelines for Seismic Rehabilitation of Buildings (FEMA 273) was then used to assess the impact of diaphragm flexibility on the adequacy of the four case study buildings. This thesis discusses the impact of diaphragm flexibility on the adequacy of the case study buildings and compares the outcome for each particular building when using the various analytical methods and acceptance criteria described in FEMA 273.
Barron, Joel Martin (2001). Performance based evaluation of the seismic resistance of structures with concrete diaphragms. Master's thesis, Texas A&M University. Available electronically from
https : / /hdl .handle .net /1969 .1 /ETD -TAMU -2001 -THESIS -B37.