Non-Linear Time History Analysis-based Seismic Performance Assessment of Buildings designed using Saudi Building Code 2018 Edition

The structural integrity of a building is crucial in ensuring the safety of the structure and its inhabitants. Proper building design can withstand significant earthquake occurrences without catastrophic damage. This study investigates the seismic performance of reinforced concrete buildings designed according to the 2018 edition of the Saudi Building Code (SBC-301), emphasizing the resilience of structures during strong earthquake events. The objective is to assess how effectively updated SBC-301 provisions enhance structural integrity under seismic loads. Using nonlinear time history analysis (NLTHA), two representative 10-story structural systems—moment-resisting buildings (MRB) and dual-system buildings (DSB)—were modeled and analyzed across four seismic zones in Saudi Arabia: Medina, Abu-Arish, Al-Bada, and Magna, varying from low to high seismic risk. Ten ground motion records were applied to simulate realistic seismic demands. The seismic performance evaluation of the structures was based on top displacement and inter-story drift ratios, assessed according to FEMA-356 standards. Key findings reveal that both MRB and DSB structures maintain acceptable structural performance under seismic loading; however, DSB consistently outperforms MRB by limiting inter-story drift ratios below the Immediate Occupancy (IO) threshold defined in FEMA-356 and reducing top displacement by up to 45%. These results underscore the importance of dual systems in high-seismic zones for enhancing structural resilience. The study findings demonstrate that structures designed according to SBC-301 provisions can withstand significant seismic events without significant damage to the structural elements or their occupants.