Torsional motion of buildings during earthquakes. II. Inelastic response

Abstract

In a previous study on the elastic torsional response of building models subjected to earthquake motion, it was shown that the current provisions of the National Building Code of Canada for design against torsion induced by earthquakes are quite conservative for the flexible edge of the building, but may be inadequate for the stiff edge. Based on the results of studies on the elastic response, a new set of design provisions was suggested. The present study deals with the inelastic torsional response of single- and multi-storey buildings designed according to the suggested provisions. Effects of both the natural and the accidental torsion are considered. It is shown that, given the complexity of inelastic response, particularly that of multistorey buildings, the suggested provisions can reasonably be used for the torsion design of single-storey buildings, as well as of multistorey buildings that are asymmetric in plan, but otherwise fairly regular.Key words: earthquake response, natural torsion, accidental torsion, inelastic torsional response, design for torsion.