Assessment of the seismic performance of old riveted steel frame–RC wall buildings

Seismic performance assessment of old dual riveted steel frame–RC wall buildings using the nonlinear dynamic procedure is presented. The study is based on an existing nine-storey building located in Wellington, New Zealand. The building is representative of medium rise steel framed buildings from the first half of the 20th century. A three dimensional numerical model of the building was developed in an inelastic structural analysis program. Nonlinear characterisations necessary for the prediction of the inelastic cyclic behaviours of the structural components were incorporated into the numerical model. Details of the structural configuration and member properties for the analyses were determined from the original engineering drawings, the construction specifications, as-built concrete strength test results and literature on properties of steel sections used around the period the building was constructed. The inelastic time history analyses were conducted using a suite of seven earthquake records relevant to the seismicity of the building's location. Modal properties of the numerical model compare well with results of a physical test conducted on the building. The implemented modelling procedure appeared to have predicted the most probable seismic performance of this type of building, which would not have been captured by other simplified procedures. The assessment also highlighted the adverse effects the characteristics and location of the walls have on the seismic performance of this type of building by introducing significant torsional and vertical irregularities.