Seismic performance evaluation of partially staggered-wall apartment buildings

In this study the seismic performance of apartment buildings with partially staggered walls was evaluated using non-linear static and dynamic analysis, and was compared with the responses of conventional apartment buildings that use the shear wall system. Buildings of rectangular and square plan were selected as analysis model structures and the responses were compared with corresponding regular buildings. According to the analysis results, the structure with staggered walls designed with smaller response modification factor showed a similar or higher strength than the shear-wall-type structure. The structure with partial staggered-wall system satisfied the collapse prevention performance objective required by FEMA-356 and thus was considered to have sufficient capacity for design level seismic load.