Torsional behavior due to infill walls: A Comparative Analysis of Seismic Codes in Nepal, India, China, and Pakistan

The seismic performance of buildings in the Himalayan region is of critical importance due to the high seismicity in the area. Infill walls play a significant role in the overall behavior of structures, particularly in terms of torsional response during earthquakes. This study presents a comprehensive comparative analysis of seismic codes commonly employed in the Himalayan region, focusing on their provisions for addressing the torsional behavior induced by infill walls. By employing analytical techniques and numerical simulations, the study compares seismic codes of Nepal, India, China, and Pakistan, region lying in Trans-Himalaya region. Infill walls were modelled as struts using ETABS software. The position of infill walls was changed to vary the eccentricity of the building. Eight different models were modelled in ETABS for each seismic code. Altogether 32 models were modelled altogether. Various parameters influenced by seismic action were compared for these countries. Base Shear, Displacement and Inter-storey drift were calculated for each seismic code and compared. Base shear obtained from NBC 105: 2020 (Nepal) (2929 kN – 3365 kN) was maximum followed by GB 50011 − 2010 (China)(2777 kN – 3171 kN), BCP-2021 (Pakistan)(2651 kN – 3069 kN) and IS 1893:2016 (India)(2507 kN – 2883 kN). Similarly, displacement was maximum for NBC 105: 2020 (Nepal) followed by BCP 2021 (Pakistan), GB 50011 − 2010 (China), and IS 1893:2016 (India). Drift was in a similar pattern as in displacement.