Impact of Shear Wall Placement on Seismic Performance of Vertically Irregular Structures

This study investigates the dynamic behavior of buildings under various structural configurations, offering insights into optimizing design for seismic resilience and structural stability. Using the STAAD-PRO software, a comprehensive analysis of 96 distinct building models was conducted to explore load distribution, stress allocation, and overall structural integrity. The research focused on the impact of building height and shear wall placement on critical parameters, such as frequency, period, and story shear. The findings reveal that for buildings measuring 18 meters in height, the highest frequency is achieved when the shear wall is positioned exclusively at the front. Conversely, taller structures, such as those at 45 meters, exhibit prolonged oscillation cycles when shear walls are placed at the front, back, and both sides. Story shear analysis further highlights that the highest values occur with shear walls strategically placed at these same locations. Notably, the 18-meter structure demonstrates the highest sensitivity to lateral forces, with a clear trend of decreasing story shear as building height increases. The study also uncovers a strong correlation between building height and displacement. As height increases, so does structural displacement; however, configurations with shear walls at the front, back, and both sides effectively minimize this movement. In conclusion, this research underscores the complex interplay between shear wall placement, building height, and structural responses. These findings provide valuable guidance for enhancing earthquake resistance, optimizing structural designs, and informing engineering decisions in building design and construction.