Seismic performance of force-based designed regular and irregular model buildings

Purpose The purpose of this study is to investigate the seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) irregular building models that have been designed by force-based approach according to the Bangladesh National Building Code (BNBC, 2020). Design/methodology/approach To be in line of the objective, regular and irregular model buildings, having vertical geometric and re-entrant corner irregularities, were developed in ETABS 2017. The irregularities in model buildings were considered using the criteria for irregularity according to the BNBC, 2020. In addition, the buildings were designed in accordance with guidelines provided by the BNBC (2020) and were analyzed using nonlinear static method. Findings The analysis revealed that irregular buildings demonstrate reduced lateral capacity and increased vulnerability compared to regular buildings (RBs). Especially, vertical geometric irregular building was found to have experienced the most significant damage at performance point of nonlinear static analysis. Originality/value The application of force-based approach in designing irregular structures can have some limitation due to the complexity of their irregular configuration. Therefore, it is crucial to assess the seismic performance and behavior of force-based designed (FBD) irregular building. Several studies investigated the seismic performance of irregular buildings, primarily focusing on the effects of irregularity on the seismic performance of representative RC frames. However, there is a lacking in study on the seismic performance of FBD RC buildings with vertical geometric and re-entrant corner irregularities, which highlights the necessity for further investigation. This study may help practicing engineers in this regard.