RC Grid-Like Frames Across Parametric Structural Configurations

The methodology for this research is based on a systematic parametric framework and an automated analytical workflow designed to quantify the seismic sensitivity of RC grid-like frames. To arrive at the data, a full factorial design was established comprising 90 distinct structural archetypes, representing typical urban construction. These configurations varied across six primary control variables: vertical topology (1 to 10 stories), plan geometry (bay aspect ratios from 0.2 to 3.0), member stiffness (systematic variation of column and beam cross-sections), slab thickness (150–200 mm), and concrete compressive strength (25–35 MPa). High-fidelity finite element models were then constructed in ETABS, utilizing rigid floor diaphragms and lumped seismic mass. Material nonlinearity was captured via a lumped plasticity approach with uni-axial moment hinges for beams and coupled axial-biaxial interaction hinges for columns, strictly following ASCE 41-17 protocols.To define the limit states for probabilistic assessment, nonlinear static pushover simulations were executed for all 90 archetypes. This process involved correlating physical damage progressions, such as plastic hinging and stiffness deterioration, with the Maximum Interstory Drift Ratio (MaxIDR). Rather than using empirical drift limits, five distinct Damage States (DS1–DS5) were discretized based on specific plastic hinge transitions (States A through E). A sequential search algorithm monitored the models during the pushover to record the precise base shear and roof drift at each transition, ensuring the multi-linear backbone curves accurately mapped structural degradation.The core data gathering was conducted through Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA), using an automated interface coupling ETABS with MATLAB via the ETABS C# API. Nine ground motion records from the PEER NGA-West2 database were selected to account for aleatory uncertainty. These records were iteratively scaled from a baseline of 0.05g until numerical non-convergence or collapse occurred. The tool extracted time step vectors and floor displacement histories to define the governing Engineering Demand Parameter (EDP) as the MaxIDR across all stories.