Structural Optimization of RC Columns in a Multi-storeyed Building by Tree-Columns Subjected to Lateral Loads

Abstract

It has become the agenda to use the bottom storey as the parking area in the multi-storey buildings and it has been quite a disturbance caused by RCC columns occupying more while projecting down to the ground. To get rid of this disturbance and for the aesthetic appearance, the number of columns in the bottom storey has to be reduced so that number of the footing will also get reduced. To achieve this, the five-storey RCC framed structure of plan area 30m X 33m which is assumed to be situated in Chennai with each storey height of 4m is modelled in STAAD Pro software in the way that the loads from the four columns present in the ends of each room will be transferring to the single-column placed in the centre of each room at the bottom storey. Then the necessary loads such as Gravity loads, Seismic loads, Wind loads, and software-generated automatic load combinations were applied to the generated model and the analysis was carried out. Similarly, the conventional model of the same plan was also analyzed by STAAD Pro software with the same set of load cases, and a comparative study of structural parameters such as bending moment, shear force, and deflection was done. Finally, both the models were designed as per IS code and Cost analysis between the two models was carried out.