AN EXPERIMENTAL INVESTIGATION ON THE DYNAMIC RESPONSE OF BUILDING FRAME WITH MASS IRREGULARITY

The behavior of a multi-storey building during strong earthquake motion depends on structural configuration. Irregular configuration either in the plan or in elevation is recognized as one of the major causes of failure during earthquakes. Thus, irregular structures, especially the ones located in seismic zones are a matter of concern. Structures generally possess irregularities but the type, degree location of irregularities in the design of structures is important as it helps in improving the utility as well as aesthetics of structures. The present study focusses on the shake table studies on the seismic response of framed structures with and without mass irregularity. A ten-storey regular and mass irregular scaled model structure representing a prototype framed structure is considered for the study. The scaled model is tested for harmonic loading at different frequencies using a shake table and its responses were recorded to assess its seismic vulnerability. It is observed that the mass irregularity modifies the dynamic properties of the structure and considerably effect the seismic response of the framed structure.