Seismic Response of R/C Frames with Irregular Profiles

Abstract

The seismic behavior of reinforced concrete frames with setbacks is investigated using the measured response of two small‐scale models. Building profile is the primary experimental parameter. Symmetrical and unsymmetrical arrangements of setbacks are tested. The displacement, acceleration, and shear responses of the setback frames during earthquake simulations are compared with those of seven previously tested frames with uniform profiles. The variation of representative response maxima with base motion intensity and distributions of maximum response over the height of the frames are considered. Setback frames are not observed to be more susceptible to damage or more susceptible to higher‐mode effects than the frames with uniform profiles.