Effect of nonlinearity on seismic response of nonstructural components in a code-conforming RC shear wall building

This paper assesses the seismic response of nonstructural components (NSCs) in a 12-storey RC office building with ductile-coupled shear walls, located in Montreal on stiff soil. A time history analysis was conducted using 24 spectrum-matched artificial earthquakes, considering both the linear and nonlinear behavior of the supporting structure and of the NSCs. The acceleration floor response spectra, the height factor, the component dynamic amplification factor and the force factor of the NSCs were evaluated at the 2nd, 6th, and 12th floors, and compared with the provisions proposed in NBC 2020, ASCE/SEI 7-22, and Eurocode 8-1. It was concluded that the nonlinear supporting structure notably reduces the seismic peak acceleration of floors, components, and force factors at selected levels. Moreover, increasing NSC ductility reduces peak spectral accelerations in the vicinity of building higher modes, and has a smaller impact on the fundamental mode. Finally, the optimal values and equations for estimating the studied force factor were presented.