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Seismic Performance of Reinforced Concrete Buildings in Darchula, Nepal: A Fragility-Based Approach Bohara, Birendra Kumar; Abdellatif, Benbokhari; Deupa, Jyoti; Mani Joshi, Nirmal; Jagari, Sangam
Journal of the Civil Engineering Forum Vol. 11 No. 3 (September 2025)
Publisher : Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Faculty of Engineering, Universitas Gadjah Mada

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.22146/jcef.21159

Abstract

This research evaluated the seismic vulnerability of non-engineered reinforced concrete (RC) buildings compared with that of engineered RC structures in the Darchula region of Far-Western Nepal, an area prone to high seismic risk. This study emphasizes the seismic performance of buildings under various loading conditions by examining construction practices and identifying structural deficiencies in RC buildings in Darchula, Nepal. Linear elastic and nonlinear pushover analyses are used to assess periods, mass participation, base shear, inter-story drift, capacity curves, nonlinear drift demand, and fragility curves. Models designed according to national and international standards are compared with non-engineered buildings (S1 – S6) to highlight the discrepancies in seismic resilience. The study further provides a probabilistic fragility framework to quantify damage likelihood at varying seismic demand levels. The results show that engineered buildings exhibit significantly greater resistance to seismic forces, with greater flexibility and higher base shear capacities. In contrast, non-engineered buildings, particularly shorter structures, are more prone to damage under moderate seismic events. Research indicates that ground floors in non-engineered buildings consistently exhibit the most significant inter-story drift as a result of softstory impacts, highlighting them as crucial failure points. Fragility curves derived from spectral displacement values reveal that non-engineered buildings reach critical damage states at lower levels of seismic demand, indicating greater vulnerability. This research underscores the importance of enforcing seismic design standards and retrofitting non-engineered buildings to improve their earthquake resilience in seismic hotspots such as Darchula, Nepal. These findings provide a foundation for future seismic risk reduction strategies and highlight the urgent need for improved building practices to mitigate earthquake-related damage.
Torsional Irregularity Control in Irregular Plan RC Buildings through Optimized Shear Wall Placement: A Parametric Study Bohara, Birendra Kumar; Kunwar, Deepak Bahadur; Kunwar, Bhim
Momentum International Journal of Civil Engineering (MIJCE) Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): July
Publisher : Marasofi International Media and Publishing (MIMP)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.64123/mijce.v1.i2.1

Abstract

Irregular buildings, particularly those with L-shaped plans, are more vulnerable during seismic events due to their asymmetric geometry and torsional irregularity. This study investigates the seismic performance of L-shaped reinforced concrete (RC) structures with various shear wall configurations under lateral loading. A total of 12 L-shaped six-story building models were analyzed using ETABS software, applying both Equivalent Static Method (ESM) and Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) as per IS 1893:2016. The effect of shear wall positioning on fundamental time period, base shear, displacement, torsional irregularity and diaphragm rotation was evaluated. Results showed that shear walls significantly enhance structural performance by reducing displacement, increasing base shear, and controlling torsional behavior when placed effectively. Improper or asymmetric wall placement, however, led to increased torsional amplification and irregular seismic responses. Among all models, those with shear walls aligned along both X and Y directions performed best in terms of seismic resistance. The study highlights the importance of optimal shear wall positioning in irregular RC buildings for enhancing seismic safety and structural efficiency.  
Steel Brace Connection with Reinforced Concrete Frame Structure: A Review Bohara, Birendra Kumar
Momentum International Journal of Civil Engineering (MIJCE) Vol. 1 No. 2 (2025): July
Publisher : Marasofi International Media and Publishing (MIMP)

Show Abstract | Download Original | Original Source | Check in Google Scholar | DOI: 10.64123/mijce.v1.i2.5

Abstract

Steel bracing is widely used in reinforced concrete (RC) structures to enhance their lateral load resistance and seismic performance. This review paper compiles and examines various experimental and numerical studies on steel bracing systems and their connection details with RC frames. Three primary types of brace-to-frame connections were analysed, focusing on their effects on structural parameters such as crack patterns, response modification factor (R factor), overstrength, and stiffness. The studies show that while the X-bracing configuration has been extensively examined, other bracing types require further investigation, particularly regarding their connection behaviour and performance. Observations highlight that bracing significantly reduces inter-story drift, displacement, and natural period while increasing base shear capacity. However, the effectiveness of the bracing system largely depends on the type and strength of the connection between the steel braces and RC elements. Issues such as hinge formation near brace connections, shifting of plastic hinges, and localized failures in beams and columns demand further exploration. Additionally, experimental studies reveal that inadequate connections can lead to premature failure, while well-designed connections improve strength, energy dissipation, and ductility. This review emphasizes the urgent need for developing standardized, simple, and effective connection detailing for both new construction and retrofitting purposes. Future research should focus on optimizing the design of brace connections in various configurations, quantifying overstrength factors and stiffness ratios, and extending the study to diverse bracing types beyond the commonly studied X-bracing.