H. Tekeli, E. Atimtay, M. Turkmen,
Volume 13, Issue 3 (9-2015)
Abstract
In this paper, an approximate method is proposed for determining sway of multistory RC buildings subjected to various
types of lateral loads. The calculation of both fundamental period and stability index in RC building requires the sway term at
each story level. Using approximate method design engineers can estimate sway terms at each story level. The developed
analytical expressions are inserted into fundamental period and stability index equations to replace the sway terms, which
yields modified equations for fundamental period and stability index without any sway terms. It is fairly easier to employ these
equations developed by eliminating all sway terms. Results obtained from the equations are remarkably close to those
generated by the related computer program. Consequently, design engineers can reliably use the simple equations to calculate
stability index and fundamental period, which enables the determination of these parameters without referring to the complex
sway terms. The capability and accuracy of the proposed equations are demonstrated by a numerical example in which
computer program results are compared with the proposed methodology.