A Comparative Structural, Architectural and Cost-Based Analysis of Seismic Design Principles Applied in Reinforced Concrete Residential Buildings in Turkey

Abstract

This study demonstrates that it is possible to design earthquake resistant reinforced concrete residential structures without significant compromises in the spatial quality and economic viability of the building. The study addresses architects, structural engineers and private entrepreneurs who are the important players in the Turkish construction industry. In structural analyses, a set of four parametric mathematical models are used to demonstrate the effects of increased column cross-sections and use of shear-walls on the seismic performance of reinforced concrete structures. Architectural analyses are carried-out through three case-studies selected from the earthquake affected city of Bolu in Turkey. Cost-based analyses demonstrated that it is possible to design earthquake resistant reinforced concrete residential buildings with a 4-6% increase in the building cost and an economically acceptable 10% decrease in profits.