Analyzing the Impact of Panel Aspect Ratio and Shear Wall Placement on RCC buildings with Inner Courtyards

Structural Engineering

This study investigates the impact of panel aspect ratios and shear wall placements on the seismic and wind performance of G+10 reinforced cement concrete (RCC) buildings with inner courtyards. The research aims to identify optimal structural configurations that enhance building stability under lateral forces. Using STAAD.Pro 2024, multiple building models were analyzed with varying panel aspect ratios (3m×3m to 9m×9m) and different shear wall placements (middle, center, ends, and no shear wall).The study evaluates key performance parameters such as displacements, shear forces, bending moments. Results indicate that shear walls strategically placed at the building’s center provide superior seismic resistance, reducing lateral displacement and improving overall stability. Additionally, smaller panel aspect ratios demonstrate enhanced stiffness, effectively minimizing wind-induced deformations. Larger panel dimensions showed increased flexibility, which, while reducing internal stress concentrations, resulted in greater overall drift, especially under extreme wind conditions. These findings emphasize the need to balance panel dimensions with appropriate shear wall positioning to achieve optimal performance.The research highlights that shear walls located at the building's center not only enhance stability but also provide uniform load distribution, minimizing torsional effects during seismic events. Conversely, shear walls positioned at building ends offered less stability due to uneven force distribution. The absence of shear walls resulted in significantly higher displacement values and reduced load-bearing efficiency. Furthermore, the study confirms that smaller panel aspect ratios are particularly advantageous for enhancing building stiffness, making them preferable in high-wind zones to mitigate excessive sway. Larger aspect ratios may be more suitable for buildings in moderate seismic zones where flexibility is beneficial in dissipating energy.This research offers practical insights for structural engineers seeking to improve the resilience of RCC structures in high-risk seismic and wind zones. By providing guidance on optimizing shear wall placement and panel aspect ratios, the study aims to contribute to safer and more efficient building designs in urban environments. The findings also pave the way for future research in exploring hybrid structural systems that further enhance lateral load resistance.

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