Seismic response of acceleration-sensitive non-structural components mounted on irregular multi-storey reinforced concrete buildings

This research investigates the seismic responses of lightweight acceleration-sensitive non-structural components (NSCs) integrated on irregular multi-storey reinforced concrete (RC) structures designed on different ground types. Dynamic nonlinear finite element analyses of the primary-secondary systems were conducted to provide insight into the seismic response of the NSCs and to evaluate the accuracy of Eurocode 8 (EC8) predictions when the NSCs are attached to the flexible sides along the heights of the primary structures (P-structures). Various sets of natural and artificial earthquake records consisting of 70 accelerograms were utilised. The effects of the plan and vertical mass irregularities were investigated. The NSCs were modelled as vertical cantilevers fixed at their bases with masses on the free ends and varying lengths so as to match the frequencies of the P-structures. A full dynamic interaction is considered between the NSCs and P-structures. The results suggest that the recommendation of the EC8 underestimates the NSCs’ accelerations at the flexible sides of irregular RC P-structures when the NSCs’ periods match those of the P-structures. Consequently, a modification on the existing EC8 design equation is made for the calculation of the maximum acceleration amplification factors of the NSCs taking into account the effects of both the torsion and the maximum seismic capacity of the P-structure