Analysis of a High Rise Building Frame with Different Type of Slab Considering Seismic Forces with Lateral Load Resisting Members

Continuous developments in new forms of buildings and ever increasing demands to create aesthetically good looking structures without affecting the strength and overall cost has led designers and engineers all over the world to innovate and adopt different type of structural systems in building and other structures. Flat slab and grid beam systems are two major type of structural system of Reinforced concrete buildings which provide the advantage of cost effectiveness and aesthetics without seriously affecting the strength and serviceability aspects of buildings. An important type of structural system which affects the overall stability and strength of building is floor system which is also termed as roof system or slab system. "Flat slab" is the term given to the floor system in which roof slab is rested directly on column and whole load on slab is transferred directly to columns. Since beams are not used in this system hence cost is definitely reduced. Nevertheless the strength of building is affected as slab is now affected by other kinds of stresses, punching shear in particular. In case of heavy loads, the shear stresses in slabs around column may become significant therefore various methods are used to enhance it is stiffness like increasing the thickness, providing drops and/or capitals etc. The obvious advantage of flat slab is aesthetic appeal. The system gives plane ceiling without any discontinuity of beams. This also leads to indirect cost cutting in case of reducting in form work and ease of construction. In present study, two type of floor systems - flat slab and grid slab are compared for an RC building. The comparison is done under the criteria of strengths, stability and cost effectiveness. The analysis of building structures is performed considering seismic zone V and medium soil type in Staad.pro software which is a popular structural analysis and design software.