Seismic Performance of High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Buildings: A Review of Stiffening Systems and Dynamic Analysis Approaches

The seismic vulnerability of high-rise reinforced concrete (RC) buildings has prompted extensive research into effective lateral load-resisting systems. This paper reviews the state-of-the-art literature on seismic design codes, dynamic analysis methods, and the role of stiffening systems such as shear walls and steel bracings in enhancing seismic resilience. Emphasis is placed on the comparative performance of various stiffening configurations with respect to fundamental time period, base shear, inter-storey drift, and top-storey deflection. The review also highlights the influence of code-based response spectrum analysis vis-à-vis real earthquake ground motions, drawing insights from national and international guidelines including IS 1893, Eurocode 8, and ASCE 7. While shear walls consistently demonstrate superior stiffness and drift control, bracing systems offer ductility, retrofitting flexibility, and cost-effectiveness. Hybrid approaches integrating both systems are increasingly recognized as optimal solutions for tall structures in seismic-prone regions. Research gaps are identified in the areas of hybrid system performance, soil–structure interaction, and nonlinear dynamic analysis. The review concludes with recommendations for performance-based design and the integration of modern materials and technologies to achieve resilient high-rise construction.