INVESTIGATION OF THE VERTICAL GROUND MOTION EFFECTS ON THE SEISMIC RESPONSES OF REINFORCED CONCRETE STRUCTURES

This article investigates the effects of vertical ground motion on the seismic responses of reinforced concrete (RC) structures. Conventional seismic design primarily focuses on horizontal ground motions, often neglecting the significant impacts of vertical accelerations. This study begins with a comprehensive analysis of the characteristics of vertical ground motion, thereby enhancing the understanding of these loads. A numerical analysis is performed on a typical multistorey RC building model to evaluate the impact of vertical ground motion on internal forces, specifically axial forces in column elements and bending moments in beam elements. The findings show that vertical ground motion can result in substantial increases in internal forces, which may necessitate revisions to current design practices. This study emphasizes the importance of considering vertical ground motion in the seismic-resistant design of RC structures to ensure safety and structural integrity.