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MULTI-STORY STRUCTURES
Gnay zmen
Konuralp Girgin
Yavuz Durgun
ABSTRACT
In contemporary earthquake-regulations, effects of torsional irregularity are represented by augmenting
accidental lateral load eccentricities by a factor which depends on the so called torsional irregularity coefficient.
The purpose of this study is first to determine the conditions for excessive torsional irregularity and then to
discuss the validity of code provisions. In order to achieve this aim, a parametric investigation is performed on
six groups of typical structures with varying structural wall positions and story numbers. It is found that
torsional irregularity coefficients increase as the story numbers decrease, i.e. maximum irregularity coefficients
occur for single-story structures. They reach maximum values when the asymmetrical structural walls are placed
as close as possible to the gravity centers. On the other hand, floor rotations increase in proportion to the story
numbers i.e. maximum floor rotations occur for highest story numbers. They attain their maximum values for
the structures where the walls are in farthest positions from the gravity centers. It is found that the results
obtained for torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations are quite contradictory. A provisional new
definition for torsional irregularity coefficient based on floor rotations is proposed.
Keywords: Earthquake regulations, torsional irregularity, parametric investigation, floor rotations.
CONTENTS
Page No.
1. INTRODUCTION
7
7
10
11
13
15
17
18
20
22
22
25
25
26
28
29
31
32
34
1. INTRODUCTION
Earthquake field investigations repeatedly confirm that irregular structures suffer more damage than
their regular counterparts. Torsional irregularity is one of the most important factors, which produces
severe damage (even collapse) for the structures. A large number of studies exist which investigate
various aspects of torsional irregularity including
Regarding the torsional irregularities, most of the codes have similar provisions which are basically
based on principles of the well known standard of IBC09 (UBC97, ASCE7), [16], [17], [18]. A certain
number of studies are devoted to the discussion and interpretation of the provisions in UBC97, IBC09
and other seismic codes.
Duan and Chandler have proposed an optimized procedure for seismic design of torsionally
unbalanced structures, [1]. Ozmen (2002) has investigated geometric and structural aspects of
torsional irregularity according to Turkish Earthquake Code (TEC), [2]. Demir et al. have investigated
torsional irregularity factors which effect multi storey shear wall-frame systems according to TEC, [3].
Six type structures which have different story numbers, plan views and shear wall locations were
analyzed. Ozmen (2004) has determined the structural wall positions which cause excessive torsional
irregularity according to TEC and discussed the related code provisions, [4]. Tezcan and Alhan have
proposed an increase in the calculated eccentricity in order to ensure an added and inherent safety for
the flexible side elements, [5]. Penelis and Kappos have presented a methodology for modeling the
inelastic torsional response of buildings in nonlinear static (pushover) analysis, aiming to reproduce
the results of inelastic dynamic time history analysis, [6]. Dogangun and Livaoglu have examined the
differences in results obtained by Equivalent Seismic Load Method, Mode-Superposition Method and
Analysis Method in Time Domain, [7]. They presented some recommendations related to the usage of
seismic analysis methods. Jinjie et al. developed a torsion angle capacity spectrum method for the
performance-based seismic evaluation of irregular framed structures, [8]. Mahdi and Gharaie have
evaluated the seismic behavior of three intermediate moment-resisting concrete space frames with
unsymmetrical plan by using pushover analysis, [9]. Cosenza et al. have compared most of the results
existing in the literature, suggested proposals of modification and underlined the importance of further
studies in order to evaluate a condition of minimum torsional stiffness, [10].
Bosco et al. described a study devoted to define the application limits of an approximated design
method about non-regularly asymmetric systems, [11]. They anticipated that to define clear limits is
possible in seismic codes for the simplified approaches on irregular structures. Zheng et al. studied the
criterion and relative regulations for torsional irregularity in UBC97 and EC8, [12]. The results
obtained from the codes were compared and analyzed from the theoretical and practical aspects.
Ozhendekci and Polat have introduced a parameter Q which is a ratio of the effective modal masses to
be used to define the torsional irregularity of buildings, [13]. The code proposed ratio for the definition
of the torsional irregularities is compared with the modified Q ratio. Jeong and Elnashai (2004) have
proposed a layering technique, termed Planar Decomposition which furnishes detailed information on
the demand and capacity of critical members, [14]. Jeong and Elnashai (2006) have described a local
damage index that is sensitive to out-of-plane responses is and presented a method to combine local
damage indices, [15].
Torsional irregularity which is recognized in most of the seismic design codes, varies depending on a
number of factors including
Plan geometry,
Dimensions and positions of structural elements,
Story numbers.
The purpose of this study is first to determine the conditions for excessive torsional irregularity and
then to discuss the validity of code provisions. In order to achieve this aim, a parametric investigation is
performed on six groups of Typical structures with varying structural wall positions and story
numbers. Number of axes of typical structure groups is varied between 5, 6 and 7 while story numbers
are chosen as 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10. All the structures are chosen as symmetrical in plan with respect to
horizontal axis X. Hence, the behavior of structures will be examined only for the lateral loading in
vertical Y direction only.
(2.1)
where
max = the maximum displacement at Level x computed assuming Ax = 1,
avg = the average of the displacements at the extreme points of the structure at Level x computed
assuming Ax = 1.
Extreme and average displacements at Level x are shown in Figure 2.1.
t =
max
.
avg
(2.2)
Then
a) If t 1.2 then torsional irregularity does not exist, i.e. Ax = 1;
b) If 1.2 < t 2.083 then torsional irregularity exists and eccentricity amplification factor is
computed by
2
Ax = t ;
1.2
c) If t > 2.083 then t = 2.083 (Ax = 3.0).
(2.3)
In the following investigations the torsional irregularity coefficient t is considered as the main
parameter.
3. TYPICAL STRUCTURES
The 6 groups of Typical Structures, which are selected to carry out the parametric study, are chosen
as multi-story buildings composed of frames and walls. It has been shown previously that in terms of
torsional irregularity, structural stiffness distribution is more effective than geometrical asymmetry, [2].
Hence the typical structures are chosen as having asymmetric walls in a rectangular plan. All structures
are composed of 3.505.00 m2 modules. Schematic floor plans of typical structures having 6 axes in
direction X, which are designated as types A, B, C, D, E and F, are shown in Figure 3.1.
As can be seen in the figure, all the typical structures are symmetrical about axis X. The structural walls
in direction Y are on the left edge of the floor plan for structure type A. Structure types B, C, D, E and
F are obtained by shifting the centers of gravity of walls by , 1, 1, 2 and 2 modules, respectively,
in direction X. All the wall thicknesses are 25 cm and beam cross sections are 2550 cm2. Column
dimensions vary between 3030 cm2 and 45 70 cm2.
Schematic floor plans of typical structure type A with 5, 6 and 7 axes in Y direction are shown in
Figure 3.2. Floor plans of structure types B, C, D, E and F with the same number of axes are organized
similarly.
Figure 3.2: Schematic floor plans of structure type A with 5, 6 and 7 axes
The parametric studies of this study are independent of the magnitude of seismic forces that affect the
structure. However, since it is aimed to obtain realistic results, the dimensions of the structural elements
are determined by using a preliminary design process. Seismic parameters used in the analyses and
designs of typical structures are as follows:
MCE Spectral Acceleration Parameters
Site Coefficients
Importance Factor
Response Modification Coefficient
SMS = 0.75g
Fa = 1
I=1
R=7
SM1 = 0.33g
Fv = 1
Schematic elevation of typical structures is shown in Figure 3.3. Story heights for all the typical
structures are 4.00 m for lowermost story and 3.00 m for upper stories.
Types included
A, B, C, D
A, B, C, D, E, F
A, B, C, D, E, F
Each group comprises of structures with 1, 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10 stories. Thus the total number of
investigated structures becomes 96. In the following, the structure groups with 5, 6 and 7 axes will be
considered in turn and torsional irregularity properties will be investigated.
10
6
4
2
1
Story
No.
C1
C2
C3
10-9
8-7
6-5
4-3
2-1
8-7
6-5
4-3
2-1
6-5
4-3
2-1
4-3
2-1
2-1
1
3030
3030
3040
3045
3055
3030
3030
3040
3045
3030
3030
3040
3030
3030
3030
3030
3030
3040
3045
3055
3070
3030
3040
3045
3055
3030
3040
3045
3030
3040
3030
3030
3030
4040
4545
4560
4570
3030
4040
4545
4560
3030
4040
4545
3030
4040
3030
3030
min
(cm)
0.009
avg
(cm)
0.115
max
(cm)
0.221
t
(max/avg)
1.918
Table 4.3: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 2-story structure
Story No.
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
157
155
min
(cm)
0.041
0.019
avg
(cm)
0.309
0.175
max
(cm)
0.578
0.330
t
(max/avg)
1.867
1.891
1.891
Table 4.4: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 4-story structure
Story No.
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
188
192
134
100
min
(cm)
0.271
0.192
0.114
0.046
avg
(cm)
1.104
0.901
0.623
0.319
max
(cm)
1.938
1.609
1.133
0.592
t
(max/avg)
1.755
1.787
1.818
1.855
1.855
Table 4.5: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 6-story structure
Story No.
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
199
222
180
139
97
72
min
(cm)
0.789
0.641
0.487
0.334
0.191
0.075
avg
(cm)
2.332
2.073
1.721
1.318
0.866
0.426
10
max
(cm)
3.876
3.505
2.955
2.301
1.542
0.776
t
(max/avg)
1.662
1.691
1.717
1.747
1.780
1.824
1.824
Table 4.6: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 8-story structure
Story No.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
169
196
169
142
115
88
61
45
min
(cm)
1.329
1.151
0.963
0.768
0.571
0.381
0.212
0.081
avg
(cm)
3.222
2.965
2.622
2.225
1.770
1.300
0.816
0.384
max
(cm)
5.115
4.778
4.280
3.682
2.969
2.218
1.421
0.687
t
(max/avg)
1.587
1.612
1.633
1.655
1.677
1.707
1.741
1.790
1.790
Table 4.7: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 10-story structure
Story No.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
150
178
158
138
118
98
78
59
40
29
min
(cm)
1.971
1.769
1.555
1.331
1.097
0.861
0.629
0.414
0.227
0.085
avg
(cm)
4.177
3.915
3.573
3.180
2.726
2.247
1.739
1.252
0.770
0.346
max
(cm)
6.382
6.060
5.592
5.029
4.354
3.633
2.850
2.089
1.312
0.608
t
(max/avg)
1.528
1.548
1.565
1.581
1.597
1.617
1.638
1.669
1.705
1.756
1.756
It must be noted that maximum irregularity coefficient for all story numbers occur at lowermost stories.
Variation of torsional irregularity coefficient will be discussed after the inspection of other structure
types.
11
A
1.918
1.891
1.855
1.824
1.790
1.756
Structure type
B
C
2.076
2.551
2.024
2.420
1.962
2.279
1.917
2.163
1.873
2.056
1.830
1.955
D
2.487
2.262
2.073
1.963
1.875
1.804
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in a separate section.
12
13
14
min
(cm)
0.010
avg
(cm)
0.134
max
(cm)
0.258
15
t
(max/avg)
1.924
Table 4.10: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficient for 2-story structure
Story No.
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
188
185
min
(cm)
0.044
0.021
avg
(cm)
0.349
0.201
max
(cm)
0.654
0.381
t
(max/avg)
1.875
1.898
1.898
Table 4.11: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 4-story structure
Story No.
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
225
251
175
119
min
(cm)
0.290
0.207
0.122
0.050
avg
(cm)
1.226
1.007
0.699
0.364
max
(cm)
2.163
1.808
1.275
0.677
t
(max/avg)
1.763
1.795
1.825
1.862
1.862
Table 4.12: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 6-story structure
Story No.
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
238
290
236
181
127
86
min
(cm)
0.843
0.687
0.522
0.359
0.206
0.081
avg
(cm)
2.562
2.286
1.899
1.460
0.966
0.482
max
(cm)
4.282
3.885
3.275
2.561
1.725
0.882
t
(max/avg)
1.671
1.700
1.725
1.754
1.787
1.831
1.831
Table 4.13: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 8-story structure
Story No.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
202
257
221
185
150
115
80
53
min
(cm)
1.413
1.225
1.026
0.820
0.611
0.409
0.227
0.087
avg
(cm)
3.500
3.227
2.852
2.424
1.929
1.418
0.891
0.422
16
max
(cm)
5.587
5.228
4.679
4.027
3.247
2.427
1.554
0.757
t
(max/avg)
1.596
1.620
1.640
1.662
1.683
1.712
1.745
1.794
1.794
Table 4.14: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 10-story structure
Story No.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
179
233
206
180
154
128
102
77
53
35
min
(cm)
2.083
1.872
1.647
1.411
1.165
0.916
0.670
0.442
0.243
0.091
avg
(cm)
4.506
4.229
3.859
3.435
2.943
2.426
1.875
1.351
0.831
0.375
max
(cm)
6.929
6.587
6.071
5.459
4.721
3.937
3.081
2.260
1.419
0.659
t
(max/avg)
1.538
1.557
1.573
1.589
1.604
1.623
1.643
1.673
1.708
1.757
1.757
Here again maximum irregularity coefficient for all story numbers occur at lowermost stories. Variation
of torsional irregularity coefficient will be discussed after the inspection of other structure types.
A
1.924
1.898
1.862
1.831
1.794
1.757
B
2.111
2.022
1.967
1.925
1.877
1.837
Structure type
C
D
2.394
2.565
2.309
2.403
2.201
2.240
2.112
2.128
1.996
2.016
1.887
1.925
E
3.164
2.767
2.409
2.180
2.019
1.927
F
1.754
1.524
1.498
1.473
1.452
1.448
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in a separate section.
17
18
19
min
(cm)
0.011
avg
(cm)
0.153
max
(cm)
0.294
t
(max/avg)
1.925
Table 4.17: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 2-story structure
Story No.
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
220
216
min
(cm)
0.019
0.010
avg
(cm)
0.269
0.168
max
(cm)
0.519
0.327
t
(max/avg)
1.888
1.895
1.895
Table 4.18: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 4-story structure
Story No.
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
263
292
205
139
min
(cm)
0.302
0.215
0.128
0.053
avg
(cm)
1.279
1.052
0.730
0.384
20
max
(cm)
2.256
1.889
1.332
0.716
t
(max/avg)
1.764
1.795
1.825
1.863
1.863
Table 4.19: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 6-story structure
Story No.
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
277
338
274
211
148
101
min
(cm)
0.865
0.705
0.537
0.370
0.212
0.085
avg
(cm)
2.627
2.344
1.943
1.497
0.994
0.501
max
(cm)
4.390
3.983
3.349
2.624
1.775
0.918
t
(max/avg)
1.671
1.699
1.724
1.753
1.786
1.831
1.831
Table 4.20: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 8-story structure
Story No.
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
236
299
257
216
175
134
93
62
min
(cm)
1.433
1.244
1.043
0.834
0.622
0.417
0.232
0.089
avg
(cm)
3.543
3.266
2.880
2.447
1.945
1.431
0.898
0.428
max
(cm)
5.653
5.287
4.718
4.059
3.269
2.445
1.564
0.766
t
(max/avg)
1.595
1.619
1.638
1.659
1.680
1.708
1.741
1.791
1.791
Table 4.21: Story displacements and torsional irregularity coefficients for 10-story structure
Story No.
10
9
8
7
6
5
4
3
2
1
Max
Lateral
load (kN)
209
271
240
210
179
149
119
90
62
40
min
(cm)
2.094
1.882
1.657
1.422
1.175
0.925
0.677
0.448
0.247
0.093
avg
(cm)
4.528
4.248
3.869
3.442
2.946
2.427
1.873
1.350
0.830
0.375
max
(cm)
6.961
6.613
6.080
5.463
4.717
3.929
3.068
2.251
1.414
0.657
t
(max/avg)
1.537
1.557
1.572
1.587
1.601
1.619
1.638
1.668
1.703
1.752
1.752
Here again maximum irregularity coefficient for all story numbers occur at lowermost stories. Variation
of torsional irregularity coefficient will be discussed after the inspection of other structure types.
21
A
1.925
1.895
1.863
1.831
1.791
1.752
B
2.050
2.012
1.959
1.919
1.868
1.828
Structure type
C
D
2.295
2.475
2.230
2.363
2.136
2.228
2.061
2.131
1.971
2.023
1.888
1.929
E
2.954
2.716
2.443
2.256
2.073
1.931
F
2.793
2.452
2.171
2.013
1.871
1.770
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in the following section.
Figure 4.17: Variation of maximum irregularity coefficient for structures with 5 axes
22
Figure 4.18: Variation of maximum irregularity coefficient for structures with 6 axes
Figure 4.19: Variation of maximum irregularity coefficient for structures with 7 axes
It is observed that
40 of the investigated 96 structures (42%) are subjected to excessive torsional irregularity. According to
the code, these structures will be designed as having an irregularity coefficient of t = 2.083 (Ax = 3.00)
, [15]. This situation may be considered as being quite peculiar.
23
For structures with 5, 6 and 7 axes, the structure types i.e. wall positions corresponding to maximum t
values are shown in Figure 4.20.
24
t
(max/ort)
1.528
1.548
1.565
1.581
1.597
1.617
1.638
1.669
1.705
1.756
1.756
25
103
(radian)
2.206
2.146
2.018
1.849
1.628
1.386
1.110
0.837
0.543
0.262
2.206
103max
(radian)
0.106
0.268
0.834
1.544
1.893
2.206
t,max
1.918
1.891
1.855
1.824
1.790
1.756
26
Table 5.3: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type B
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.075
0.211
0.727
1.405
1.782
2.180
t,max
2.076
2.024
1.962
1.917
1.873
1.830
Table 5.4: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type C
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.094
0.237
0.745
1.350
1.626
1.859
t,max
2.551
2.420
2.279
2.163
2.056
1.955
Table 5.5: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type D
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.042
0.121
0.436
0.863
1.130
1.395
t,max
2.487
2.262
2.073
1.963
1.875
1.804
Maximum floor rotations for all types with 5 axes are shown in Table 5.6.
Table 5.6: Maximum floor rotations for structures with 5 axes
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
A
0.106
0.268
0.834
1.544
1.893
2.206
Structure type
B
C
0.075
0.094
0.211
0.237
0.727
0.745
1.405
1.350
1.782
1.626
2.180
1.859
D
0.042
0.121
0.436
0.863
1.130
1.395
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in a separate section.
27
t
(max/ort)
1.538
1.557
1.573
1.589
1.604
1.623
1.643
1.673
1.708
1.757
1.757
103
(radian)
1.938
1.886
1.770
1.619
1.422
1.208
0.964
0.727
0.470
0.227
1.938
28
103max
(radian)
0.099
0.244
0.749
1.375
1.670
1.938
t,max
1.924
1.898
1.862
1.831
1.794
1.757
Table 5.9: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type B
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.058
0.214
0.705
1.333
1.657
1.910
t,max
2.111
2.022
1.967
1.925
1.877
1.837
Table 5.10: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type C
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.097
0.238
0.736
1.323
1.573
1.786
t,max
2.394
2.309
2.201
2.112
1.996
1.887
Table 5.11: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type D
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.063
0.168
0.573
1.084
1.354
1.611
t,max
2.565
2.403
2.240
2.128
2.016
1.925
29
Table 5.12: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type E
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.061
0.148
0.455
0.818
1.003
1.189
t,max
3.164
2.767
2.409
2.180
2.019
1.927
Table 5.13: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type F
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.014
0.032
0.151
0.341
0.511
0.713
t,max
1.754
1.524
1.498
1.473
1.452
1.448
Maximum floor rotations for all types with 6 axes are shown in Table 5.14.
Table 5.14: Maximum floor rotations for structures with 6 axes
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
A
0.099
0.244
0.749
1.375
1.670
1.938
B
0.058
0.214
0.705
1.333
1.657
1.910
Structure type
C
D
0.097
0.063
0.238
0.168
0.736
0.573
1.323
1.084
1.573
1.354
1.786
1.611
E
0.061
0.148
0.455
0.818
1.003
1.189
F
0.014
0.032
0.151
0.341
0.511
0.713
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in a separate section.
30
t
(max/ort)
1.537
1.557
1.572
1.587
1.601
1.619
1.638
1.668
1.703
1.752
1.752
103
(radian)
1.622
1.577
1.474
1.347
1.181
1.002
0.797
0.601
0.389
0.188
1.622
31
103max
(radian)
0.094
0.226
0.663
1.175
1.430
1.622
t,max
1.925
1.895
1.863
1.831
1.791
1.752
Table 5.17: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type B
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.082
0.206
0.637
1.173
1.407
1.600
t,max
2.050
2.012
1.959
1.919
1.868
1.828
Table 5.18: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type C
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.093
0.167
0.651
1.172
1.376
1.553
t,max
2.295
2.230
2.136
2.061
1.971
1.888
Table 5.19: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type D
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.072
0.185
0.582
1.065
1.293
1.511
t,max
2.475
2.363
2.228
2.131
2.023
1.929
32
Table 5.20: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type E
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.077
0.182
0.531
0.923
1.085
1.239
t,max
2.954
2.716
2.443
2.256
2.073
1.931
Table 5.21: Torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations for Type F
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
103max
(radian)
0.041
0.106
0.345
0.649
0.825
1.010
t,max
2.793
2.452
2.171
2.013
1.871
1.770
Maximum floor rotations for all types with 7 axes are shown in Table 5.22.
Table 5.22: Maximum floor rotations for structures with 7 axes
Number of
stories
1
2
4
6
8
10
A
0.094
0.226
0.663
1.175
1.430
1.622
B
0.082
0.206
0.637
1.173
1.407
1.600
Structure type
C
D
0.093
0.072
0.167
0.185
0.651
0.582
1.172
1.065
1.376
1.293
1.553
1.511
E
0.077
0.182
0.531
0.923
1.085
1.239
F
0.041
0.106
0.345
0.649
0.825
1.010
Maximum values at each row are shown with bold numerals. Interpretation of the results will be
presented in the following section.
33
34
It is seen that these observations are quite contradictory with those obtained for torsional irregularity
coefficients in Section 4.4. Scattering of floor rotations with respect to torsional irregularity
coefficients t is shown in Figure 5.8.
Figure 5.8: Scattering of floor rotations with respect to torsional irregularity coefficients
35
It is clearly seen that, floor rotations which may be considered as being the real indicator of the
torsional behavior, are far from being compatible with the torsional irregularity coefficients. In fact, it
can be said that these quantities are inversely proportional to each other.
Examination of the above mentioned observations yields the following conclusions:
Torsional irregularity coefficients as defined in the regulations do not represent the torsional
characteristics of the structures realistically,
Code definitions of torsional irregularity coefficients should be completely amended.
(6.1)
where i denotes the rotation of the ith floor in radians. Considering the structures inspected in this study
a preliminary value for the coefficient K may be recommended as
K = 1500.
(6.2)
It must be considered natural to impose an upper bound for floor rotations similar to the drift limits
existing in the regulations. An appropriate limitation for floor rotations is proposed as
i 1.5 10 3 .
(6.3)
It must be noted that this proposal is only provisional. An amendment of the definition for torsional
irregularity coefficient seems to be a necessity but should be determined by using further
comprehensive investigations on the subject.
7. CONCLUSIONS
In this study a parametric investigation is performed on six groups of structures with varying structural
wall positions and story numbers. Findings on lateral load analyses are evaluated and the following
conclusions are derived:
1. For all the investigated structures, torsional irregularity coefficients increase as the story
numbers decrease, i.e. maximum irregularity coefficients occur for single-story structures.
2. Floor rotations increase in proportion to the story numbers i.e. maximum floor rotations occur
for highest story numbers.
3. Torsional irregularity coefficients reach maximum values when the structural walls are placed
as close as possible to the gravity centers without coinciding them.
4. Floor rotations attain their maximum values for the structures where the walls are in farthest
positions from the gravity centers.
5. It is seen that the results obtained for torsional irregularity coefficients and floor rotations are
quite contradictory.
6. Since the floor rotations may be considered as the real representative of the torsional behavior,
torsional irregularity coefficients as defined in the regulations should be completely amended.
7. A provisional new definition for torsional irregularity coefficient is proposed.
36
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[15]
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