Comparison between gravity loads design and direct displacement based design of a seven storey residential building

Abstract

This report includes the comparison between gravity loads and seismic loads of a seven story reinforced concrete residential building. Shear and moments of all beams, shear walls and columns were calculated according to gravity loads and then according to the direct displacement based design method. After calculating beams and slab thickness according to gravity loads, beams were designed using ACI moment coefficients where applicable and ETABS when ACI moment coefficients were not relevant. Shear and moments of both columns and shear walls were also attained. Then the shear and moments of all of the above specified elements based on the same dimensions and properties were calculated according to the direct displacement based design method, based on a specific drift limit and maximum causative earthquake applicable to Lebanon, in order to achieve the immediate occupancy performance level of the structure. Both results were compared and then typical components were designed and detailed according to the larger loads, whether moments and shear, using the Eurocodes 2 and 8.