Optimization Studies on Bracing Systems and Its Effective Placement to Counteract Earthquakes in Very High Damage Risk Zone

The current study aims to analyze a multi-storey RCC building model subjected to lateral loads induced by Zone V earthquake. In this method, a G+14 storey building is modeled using ETABS v.20, the model is acted upon by a peak acceleration of an earthquake, and analysis is done by Response Spectrum Method. The building models considered incorporate lateral stiffness systems such as X-Bracings, Inverted V-Bracings (concentric), and K-Bracings (eccentric) placed at various locations in the building models to resist lateral loads. The positions, type of bracings, and their efficiency in resisting the earthquake loads are studied considering seismic parameters such as storey displacement, base shear, overturning moment, storey stiffness, and time period. The most efficient lateral system and its position, based on models performance is observed. From the studies, it is found that the optimal way to place the bracings is at the center like a braced core system. The second-best position would be to place them at the middle periphery of the building. Eccentric bracings perform the best compared to any other type of bracings.