Comparative Study on the Wind Resistance of RC Frames with Staircase, Core and Infill Walls

Tall buildings are highly vulnerable to significant lateral displacements resulting from wind and other horizontal forces. To counteract these effects, incorporating efficient lateral load-resisting systems is vital. Commonly employed systems include moment-resisting frames, shear core walls, and dual systems that integrate both to enhance overall structural stability. This research offers a comparative evaluation of different lateral load-resisting configurations using STAAD. Pro V8i. Ten detailed three-dimensional reinforced concrete (RC) models of G+30 storey buildings were developed. These models incorporate varied combinations of staircases, core walls, and masonry infill walls. The study examined a bare frame, a frame with both external (200 mm) and internal (100 mm) infill walls, and additional models featuring only external infill walls of varying thicknesses (200 mm, 150 mm, and 100 mm). Top-storey lateral displacements under wind loading were analyzed for each configuration. The findings reveal that incorporating non- structural elements such as staircases, core walls, and infill masonry significantly boosts the lateral stiffness of the structure. This highlights the necessity of accurate modeling of these components to ensure dependable structural behavior and improved wind resistance in tall buildings.