Analysis of Existing High-Rise Reinforced Concrete Structures in Malaysia Subjected to Earthquake and Wind Loadings

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of earthquake and wind loading on high rise structure in Malaysia. Conservatively, structural design in Malaysia overlook the significance of both loading (earthquake and hurricane) as they rarely take place in this region. However, occurrences of several tremors in neighbouring countries were enough to put us in fear. So, it is the time for us to revise existing structures to check for their reliability in facing any unforeseen natural disaster. This paper will be the key for any enhancement necessary to be implemented to our existing structures. The method of study mainly involves extended analysis of high rise frame structure and its behaviour towards movement and shakes in complying with UBC 1997 and IS 1893. Starting with simple vertical load analysis and then imposing earthquake and wind loading, the integrity of the frame structure is analysed. The behaviour in term of displacement, and the serviceability limit state of a particular structural will be studied and evaluated in order to quantify the maximum magnitude of lateral loads whereby a rigid frame structure could withstand before it starting to fail. This study analytically proves the outstanding performance of gravity designed structure towards typical wind and seismic conditions in Malaysia (35m/s for wind speed and 0.03g for seismic). However, existing structures in Malaysia without lateral loads design are expected to fail whenever wind and seismic forces are going beyond the typical conditions. The whole analysis demonstrates the understanding of certain code of practices, establish the ability of analysing and deducing the behaviour of structures, handling existing software, and interpreting the results and data to provide relevant comments and modifications whenever needed.