Torsional Behavior of Reinforced Concrete High-Rise Structure with Diverse Shear Wall Resisting Systems under Seismic Loading

Torsional effects, typically induced by asymmetrical mass and stiffness distribution, pose significant challenges to structural integrity during seismic events, leading to catastrophic failure. The present study presents a comprehensive evaluation of the torsional behavior of reinforced concrete (RC) high-rise structures subjected to seismic loading, with a focus on the influence of diverse shear wall resisting systems (Configurations 1 to 4). The study employs advanced finite element modeling to analyze four distinct shear wall configurations through inelastic static and nonlinear time history analyses. Both cracked and uncracked models are considered, incorporating stiffness modifiers as per IS 16700:2023 and P-Δ effects to simulate realistic seismic responses. Key performance indicators such as storey drift, storey displacement, modal behaviour, and torsional displacement are systematically assessed. Configuration 1, characterized by a symmetric and uniformly distributed shear wall layout, consistently demonstrates superior seismic performance. It exhibits reduced fundamental time periods, minimized storey drift and displacement, and a close alignment between the center of mass and center of rigidity, thereby mitigating torsional irregularities in accordance with IS 1893:2016 criteria. Furthermore, the shear wall area in Configuration 1 exceeds the codal minimum requirements, ensuring adequate lateral stiffness and stability. Comparative analysis reveals that configurations with asymmetrical shear wall placement are more susceptible to torsional amplification and dynamic instability. The findings underscore the critical role of strategic shear wall placement in enhancing seismic resilience and structural safety. Design recommendations are provided to optimize shear wall configurations for improved performance in earthquake-prone regions. Future research directions include the study of irregular geometries, nonlinear material behavior, higher mode effects, and soil-structure interaction to further refine seismic design methodologies.