Seismic Behaviour of High-Rise Buildings with Transfer Floors

A comparative analytical study for the seismic response of high-rise buildings with transfer floors is presented. A number of prototype models were analyzed using elastic linear response spectrum and inelastic nonlinear time history techniques using three-dimensional finite element models. The analyzed models had different transfer floor system: transfer slabs and transfer girders. The vertical position of the transfer system with respect to the building height was investigated. Global seismic response of the buildings such as storey shear and bending moment distribution, and inter-storey drift were numerically evaluated. The results showed the localization of damage in the vicinity of the transfer floor in addition to the first floor; the location of the transfer floor influenced the global seismic response of the structure. The numerical analysis revealed that the transfer girders system is a competitive alternative to the slab system in terms of reducing the seismic weights as well as the material cost with a slight change in the global seismic behaviour of the building. Transfer girders system is more flexible compared to slab system and generate lower straining actions on the structural vertical elements.