Effect of Different Bracing Systems in Reinforced Concrete Frames under Cyclic Loading

Reinforced concrete (RC) framed structures are widely used as load transferring system in residential and commercial buildings. Even though the RC frames are designed for gravitational and seismic forces, but they are week under severe seismic events. The main disadvantage of the framed structures is inefficient bracing systems designed in it. This investigation is conducted mainly to study the effective bracing system in the RC framed structure to transfer the seismic force. This research aims to study the seismic performance of RC frames influenced by the various types of cross bracings under cyclic loading. The finite element analysis software package ABAQUS is used to investigate the braced RC frames analytically. The research scheme consists of three RC frames; the bare frame, the bare frame with single X-bracing (X frame), double X bracing (D-X frame) along the height. The structural parameters include, load-displacement hysteresis envelope, stiffness degradation and energy absorption were studied to analyze the performance of bracings. The results showed that the X frame and D-X frame noticeably increased the lateral strength, stiffness and energy dissipation properties compared to the bare RC frame. The results also indicated that the addition of X bracing along the height significantly enhanced the structural parameters of the RC frame.