International Research Journal of Engineering and Technology (IRJET)
e-ISSN: 2395-0056
Volume: 12 Issue: 08 | Aug 2025
p-ISSN: 2395-0072
www.irjet.net
Seismic Analysis of Spandrel Beams and Regular Beams in Coupled Shear Wall Systems Across Different Seismic Zones Amith K S1, Dr. S. Vijaya2 1A postgraduate student, Dr. Ambedkar institute of technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
2Professor, Dept. of Civil Engineering, Dr. Ambedkar institute of technology, Bangalore, Karnataka, India.
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Abstract - Seismic analysis is critical for ensuring the
are often located along the façade and may incorporate architectural features such as windows or service openings, which alter their stiffness and energy dissipation capacity. This functional difference makes the choice of coupling beam critical in determining seismic behavior.
stability and resilience of high-rise buildings in earthquakeprone regions. Coupled shear wall systems, consisting of interconnected shear walls and beams, enhance structural performance under seismic loading. This study compares the seismic behaviour of spandrel beams and regular beams within coupled shear wall systems. A B+G+16 storey high-rise building was modelled in ETABS and analyzed using the Response Spectrum Method as per IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016 across Zones II, III, IV, and V. Key parameters studied include storey displacement, inter-storey drift, and base shear. Results reveal that while both beam types perform adequately in low seismic zones, spandrel beams offer superior stiffness, lower displacement, and better seismic resilience in moderate to high seismic zones. These findings suggest that spandrel beams provide a more effective design solution for tall buildings in high-risk regions.
The comparative study of spandrel and regular beams provides insights into their effectiveness in controlling lateral displacements, minimizing inter-story drifts, and enhancing ductility. Advanced structural analysis tools such as ETABS enable detailed evaluation through response spectrum and time-history analyses, assessing key parameters like displacement, drift, energy dissipation, and the response modification factor (R-factor). This research focuses on the seismic performance of spandrel and regular beams in coupled shear wall systems, evaluated across different seismic zones. By examining their behaviour under varying ground motions, the study aims to identify optimal beam configurations that balance structural safety, stiffness, and architectural requirements. The outcomes are expected to contribute to improved design guidelines for high-rise structures, promoting resilience and sustainability in seismic-prone regions.
Key Words: Seismic Analysis, Spandrel Beam, Regular Beam, Coupled Shear Wall System, ETABS, Storey Drift, Base Shear, Seismic Zones
1.INTRODUCTION High-rise buildings are continuously subjected to dynamic forces such as wind, seismic activity, and operational loads, all of which influence their stability and service life. Among these, seismic activity is the most critical due to its sudden and unpredictable nature, often resulting in severe structural damage. Hence, the development of efficient lateral load-resisting systems is essential for ensuring safety and resilience in earthquake-prone regions.
A. Regular Beams Regular beams are horizontal elements of a structural frame that primarily carry slab loads and deliver them to supporting columns or walls. When they are placed between adjacent shear walls, they act as coupling beams and participate in resisting seismic actions. Their behavior is generally governed by bending and shear forces, which influences the distribution of lateral loads within the structure. Because regular beams usually have a simple cross-section without architectural openings, they provide reliable stiffness and strength under vertical and lateral actions. However, in earthquake conditions their ability to dissipate energy is lower compared to specially detailed spandrel beams. To achieve safe seismic performance, regular beams require adequate reinforcement and ductile detailing; otherwise, they may be vulnerable to brittle shear failure.
One of the most widely adopted systems for improving seismic resistance in tall buildings is the coupled shear wall system, where shear walls are interconnected by coupling beams. These beams enhance the stiffness of the structure, improve energy dissipation, and reduce lateral displacements under seismic loading. The performance of these coupling beams significantly influences the overall seismic response of the system. Regular beams and spandrel beams are the two primary types of coupling elements used in practice. Regular beams are generally uniform and free from architectural interruptions, allowing efficient transfer of shear and bending forces between walls. In contrast, spandrel beams
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