Seismic Response of Reinforced Concrete Frame Buildings - Dissertation Example

The strength theory focuses on the ultimate strength design that makes use of inelastic strains thus distributing the stress of loads uniformly (Park & Paulay, 1975, pp.1-3). The concept of reinforced concrete was first initiated in Japan during the 1950s. However, in the initial times, the use of the RC buildings was not considered as significant, a situation that has been modified in the present times (Aoyama, 2001, pp.1-2).
Considering natural calamities like the earthquake, the constructed buildings must be based on such materials that are capable of resisting such calamities. The ductility or robustness of the concrete structures plays a significant role in this regard. However, obtaining the necessary concrete structures might require the application of advanced technologies that at times may be difficult for developing countries to achieve. Reinforced concrete materials are easily available as well as they are economical. Its characteristic stiffness provides efficient support to the constructed buildings in situations of earthquakes. Damages, to a great extent, can be reduced through such measures (Dowrick, 2009, p.367).
Structural Eurocodes represent the technical rules needed to be followed while selecting and constructing buildings. There are several such Eurocodes of which Eurocode 2 is associated with the design of the concrete structures and Eurocode 8 is associated with the provisions of design for earthquake resistance of structures (Beckett & Alexandrou, 1997, p.2). These Eurocodes are essential for the determination of the ductility of the concrete structures thus enabling the buildings to be tolerant to earthquakes, which is a primary concern of the current study. Thus a general overview of the RC constructions reflects that it is necessary to involve such concrete structures in building constructions for the safety and protection of the buildings from earthquakes that also depend on the ductility of the structure.
The study involves qualitative research based on secondary sources. Qualitative research techniques do not involve any numerical figures for the study but focus on a detailed understanding of the concerned topic based on experiences and opinions of different individuals (Creswell, 2003, p.18). Secondary sources are referred to the sources that are not novel but are derived from studies conducted earlier by different authors or experimenters (Hamilton, 2005, p.4). The present study has focused on secondary sources primarily available over the internet and the scholarly materials that provide concerning details on the seismic responses of reinforced concrete frame buildings with different ductility classes using EC8 and EC2. This also includes the study on a case study related to the RC buildings having different levels of ductility. The sources and the previously conducted studies have been analyzed qualitatively for concluding the study.
Ethical factors have also been considered to ensure that in involving the studies of different authors, as well as cases, the professional ethics do not get harmed. The details of the research have thus been provided transparently for a clear understanding of the reader. All the sources that have been used for the study have been listed in the references at the end of the report. The credibility of the information collected for the study has also been provided due attention and interest to ensure that all the information is verified and true. Utmost care has been taken to ensure that the internet websites used for the study are not unauthentic and they contain proper information and details as provided by different theorists. Scholarly books have been considered primarily since they are authentic and provide supportive details on the concerned topic. Although depending only on secondary sources creates limitations for the study.