Comparative seismic analysis of G+4 RC Structures with and without floating columns using pushover analysis according to Moroccan seismic code RPS 2011

Floating columns without ground floor extensions—are commonly added in current architectural design for architectural flexibility but may have a significant influence on seismic behavior of structures. This article presents a comparative analysis of three configurations of a typical four-story residential building (G+4): a baseline one with no floating column, the second one with a mid-column floating column, and the third one with an edge-column floating column in cantilever. The computation is carried out under nonlinear static analysis (Pushover) according to the Moroccan Seismic Design Code (RPS 2011). The results determine the effect of floating column position on overall capacity, lateral displacements, plastic hinge formation. The structures with floating columns, especially with cantilever edge configuration, are more susceptible. The study reiterates the importance of having due consideration for floating column position in seismic zones.