Comparative Analysis of Target Displacement Demands in Regular Reinforced Concrete Frames Under Different Seismic Design Codes
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: This study presents a comparative investigation of target displacement demands, a fundamental indicator in the seismic performance assessment of reinforced concrete frame systems, within the framework of the Turkish Building Earthquake Code (TBEC-2018), American standards (ASCE 41), and European standards (Eurocode 8). To analyse the consistency in performance levels stipulated by different structural design codes, critical variables, including soil class, number of stories, concrete grade, frame span, and soft story at ground level, were parametrically defined. The impact of these variables on the target displacement demands of the structures was examined through a comparative lens. Nonlinear static pushover analyses based on fiber-based modelling were conducted using SeismoStruct software to determine displacement demands under different seismic code formulations across six distinct variables. The displacements obtained for each variable at identical seismic ground-motion levels were evaluated individually. Analytical results reveal that soil degradation significantly increases target displacements across all codes. At the same time, the presence of a high story affects structural ductility and displacement demands, with varying sensitivities across the codes. Notably, it was observed that TBEC-2018 yields more conservative displacement demands in certain spectral regions than those in ASCE 41 and Eurocode 8. The findings provide critical data for understanding the disparities in safety margins among international seismic design standards.
Source: Buildings
Institutions: Bitlis Eren University, University of Osijek
Language: English
Subfield: Civil and Structural Engineering
Field: Engineering
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,137
Funder: European Commission
OpenAlex ID: W7159809447