Enhancing Seismic Performance and Material Efficiency in Multi-Storey RC Buildings Using Edge-Lined Shear Wall (ELSW) Systems

Abstract

This research investigates the structural performance of multi-storey reinforced concrete (RC) buildings using the Edge-Lined Shear Wall (ELSW) system, in comparison to traditional solid shear walls and staircase walls. The ELSW system, strategically positioned along the building's edges, aims to optimize lateral stiffness, reduce material consumption, and enhance energy dissipation under seismic wind loads. A detailed finite element (FE) model of a multi-storey RC building was developed and subjected to lateral load analyses. Key performance metrics, particularly inter-story drift, were evaluated for each configuration. Results indicate that the ELSW system significantly reduces inter-story drift compared to staircase walls and performs comparably to solid shear walls, albeit with reduced material usage. Additionally, the ELSW system demonstrates superior energy dissipation during seismic events, underscoring its potential to enhance earthquake resistance. This research highlights the ELSW system as a sustainable, cost-effective alternative to conventional shear walls, offering a promising solution for the design of earthquake-resistant multi-storey RC buildings. The findings contribute to advancing innovative structural design methodologies focused on performance optimization and material efficiency.