Abstract:
This study involves seismic behavior and cost evaluation of a slab - column frame structure under
seismic lo~ding using an example building structure. The structure in consideration is a 12 - story post
tensioned slab - column concrete frame. The example structure was separately designed under two
cases ofloading. Only wind load as stipulated in E.I.T. standard was in the frrst case, while the second
case involved seismic loading based on Ministerial Regulation. Different effective width models of
slab - column frame structure were then studied to obtain the most reliable model which it could
simulate stiffness, strength and deformation limit of the structure in the best agreement with existing
test results. Nonlinear static pushover analysis based on the guidelines by FEMA was then carried out
to evaluate the response and damage of the structure under two load cases. Results indicated that
structure had sufficient strength and ductility to resist both the wind and earthquake loads. However,
under Maximum Considered Earthquake the damage could be severe, but still less than the collapse
limit. In view of the construction cost, the earthquake regulations increase the construction cost by
approximately 4 percent when compared to that of wind load design. The increase in construction cost
is mainly due to the reinforcing bars, particularly the stirrups in shear wall and columns.