"Risk Assessment for Seismic Performance and Mitigation Strategies of Transfer Beams in Skyscrapers Incorporating Floating Columns Adopting Computational Analysis"

Abstract

This paper explores the structural behavior of transfer beams in multi-story buildings incorporating floating columns. Utilizing advanced computational tools and design codes (ACI and UBC); a 25-storied building had been modeled to assess the effects of floating columns under different scenarios. Through a combination of theoretical analysis and computational modeling using ETABS, the study explores various parameters, including base shear, bending moments, shear forces, torsion, twisting on transfer beams and deflection analyzing seven different cases where Case 1 and Case 7 were the most economic cases as they were showing 40~50% more economic than other cases as external floating columns are not critical while using same sections of transfer beam. Case 4 instead of Case 5 can be used to introduce shear wall to overcome the lateral loading effect. In Case 6 as less depth of transfer beams had been used than its adequate depth, it showed the highest moment among the cases. Even it had experienced 65% higher shear while using floating column. Both positive and negative shear for transfer beams showed that except Case 1, Case 6-1 and Case 7-1 all the cases experienced greater shear ranging 50~60% which indicated the failure of structure for vertical shear caused by floating column on transfer beam acted as a point load. It was observed that for all cases torsion at ground floor increases, but thereafter floors, there was significant reduction of 75% in torsion occurred and it did not hamper the whole structure as the values of torsion for all cases. Results indicate significant variations in structural stability, with specific configurations showing higher vulnerability. This paper emphasizes the importance of proper design and reinforcement of transfer beams to mitigate risks. The findings provide critical insights for engineers and architects aiming to enhance the safety and performance of high-rise buildings with floating columns.