New Behavioural Trends of Plan Asymmetric Limited Ductile Buildings Revealed by Incremental Dynamic Analysis

The drift demand of plan-asymmetric buildings in low seismicity regions was studied by employing Incremental Dynamic Analysis to track the influence of torsion. A stepped increase in the (3D/2D) drift demand ratio was observed as the limit of yield was surpassed. This amplification phenomenon, which is typically muted with high, or moderate, ductility demand has not been reported in research literature on building responses in high seismic conditions. However, the undesirable torsion-induced amplification cannot be ignored as limited ductile buildings are particularly vulnerable depending on the disposition, number, size and orientation of the structural walls.