Importance of Separation Gaps for Asymmetric Tall Buildings Under Earthquakes

The poor performance of structures under strong ground motion can be attributed to structural asymmetry. Asymmetry strongly contributes to translational-torsional coupling in the seismic response, which can result in higher lateral deflections, increased member forces, and eventually collapse. During large earthquakes, structures with asymmetry cause structural damages or the collapse of the entire structure. This paper aims to investigate the seismic response of horizontal asymmetric buildings with and without separation gaps. Three asymmetric building plans (“T” shape, “+” shape, and “L” shape) have been chosen in order to investigate the beneficial effects of separation gaps. Comparative study has been carried out in terms of developed horizontal and vertical forces; moments and reinforcement required in columns. It is observed from the analysis results that the amount of reinforcement is quite less in case the separation gaps at strategic locations are introduced.