Investigation of Deformation-Based Damage Limits for RC Columns in Different Seismic Codes

Abstract

The seismic performance of reinforced concrete (RC) columns is related to the expected damage limits under seismic loads and how this damage relates to the safety of the structure. To assess the performance of RC columns under seismic loads, performance-based deformation and damage limits have been proposed by seismic codes. Adequacy of the deformation and damage limits provided in the American Society of Civil Engineers, Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings Standard (ASCE/SEI-41, 2017) and the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC, 2018) were evaluated by performing parametric studies for RC columns. RC circular columns are designed in parametric studies to elucidate the effects of the compressive strength of concrete, axial load levels, and spiral reinforcement ratio on performance-based damage limits. The performance limits corresponding to each performance level obtained using different seismic guidelines were compared. The crosssection damage limits of ASCE/SEI-41 (2017) and TBEC (2018) were significantly different, which could change the performance level of the building. TBEC (2018) yielded approximately 50% conservative limits compared to the ASCE/SEI-41 (2017) limits. As a result, TBDY (2018) seems to offer safer and more ductile solutions than ASCE/SEI-41 (2017).