Effects Of Earthquakes On Concrete Buildings In Kuwait
Journal Title: International Journal of engineering Research and Applications - Year 2018, Vol 8, Issue 10
Abstract
Most residential low rise buildings in Kuwait are constructed using reinforced concrete and infill walls. The behaviour of concrete buildings under seismic loading is dependent on ductility and stiffness of concrete buildings which depends on the quality of materials used in construction, the level of technology adopted in design and construction and the workmanship. This paper presents a research done on the effects of earthquakes on concrete buildings in Kuwait. Most buildings are constructed in river valleys where the soil formations are mass deposits of silt and sand, and the sites are characterised by shallow water tables. Weak sites produce higher amplification factors as compared to firm grounds in an event of ground movements. Design and construction of concrete buildings resistant to earthquakes depends on the risk involved in loss of life and the probability of occurrence of earthquakes in the area. In Kuwait City, tall buildings have been constructed with earthquake resistant features in accordance to local earthquake design code to enable them stand without damage in the event of a minor earthquakes, bear damages without failure in case of major earthquakes and fail completely with warnings in case of extreme earthquakes (PRASAD, 2018). Al Hamra Tower is the tallest building in Kuwait and currently the 16th tallest building on the planet at 1352 ft. Built with reinforced concrete, Al Hamra Towers is one of the tallest structures built with concrete. Soil conditions on site are composed of sandy silty loose soil subsurface of a depth of approximately 1.4 m and a high water table of approximately 2m below surface level. The rock below is made of sandstone and siltstone. The foundation is composed of a raft and piles system. To resist earthquakes and other lateral loads the structure consists a complex cast in situ reinforced concrete shear wall which transfers lateral loads to the foundation (CLAUS, et al., 2007).
Authors and Affiliations
Naser S. Almutairi
Keywords
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