Abstract:
Over the past few years, Albania has faced significant seismic events causing
varying degrees of damage to RC buildings. Many of these buildings were constructed
before the implementation of modern seismic codes, increasing the risk posed by
frequent seismic activity in the region. Therefore, it is crucial to evaluate the
performance of existing reinforced concrete (RC) buildings, especially those lacking
seismic detailing.
Furthermore, Albania's ongoing economic and social development has led to
increased construction activity. A significant portion of the current housing stock
consists of buildings constructed during the communist era, particularly between 1980
and 1983. These buildings are spread across Albania and were built based on unique
geological considerations. Therefore, a comprehensive assessment of their operational
capacity according to Albanian construction standards is required.
The structural performance of a 5-story reinforced concrete building is
evaluated using finite element analysis software Zeus-NL. The load-bearing capacity
of the selected template is done using the nonlinear static analysis, Pushover. The
application of pushover is achieved using uniform, triangular, and modal loading
patterns. Additionally, the demand calculation is considered based on the capacity
spectrum method (CSM). Furthermore, the limit states are defined in the Pushover
curves as Immediate Occupancy (IO), Life Safety (LS), and Collapse Prevention (CP)
based on the modern guidelines of FEMA 356. Lastly, the performance evaluation of
the building is conducted based on the outputs of analyses.
At the end, key findings and limitations are presented, along with suggestions
for further investigation.
