Behaviour of buildings with coupled Reinforced Concrete columns

Columns play a very crucial role in transferring forces to the foundation. This study aims to compare the influence of Coupled columns in place of Regular (conventional) columns in Reinforced concrete framed structures. A Coupled column is one with two individual parallel members connected at their ends with deep beams so that it behaves as a single member. The parallel members are also some times connected at intermediate levels. A six-storey parking structure is considered for the study with three alternatives of different column configurations. They are analysed for gravity loads, seismic (Zone-II) and wind (basic speed of 50m/s) loads. The configurations are Regular Column with Regular Beam (RCRB), Coupled Column with End Connecting Beam (CCEB) and Coupled Column with End and Intermediate Connecting Beams (CCIB). The cross-sectional area of the Coupled column is maintained equal to that of conventional Regular column. Linear Dynamic analysis of the structure is performed for load combinations as per IS 456: 2000. It is observed from the results that the lateral sway is reduced in CCIB by 7%, while quantities of concrete and steel reinforcement are 7% and 13% less respectively compared to RCRB. Considering the advantages of strength and serviceability, apart from the economy, it was concluded that the structure with Coupled columns performs better than conventional column structure.