Applicable Solutions Regarding Ductile Seismic Response Development in the Pure Moment Resisting (MR) Reinforced Concrete (RC) Frame System

Abstract Moment Resisting (MR) Reinforced Concrete (RC) frame system presented in the current seismic design standards and required to on-site seismic action develops the soft storey mechanisms. In practice, the idealized and theorized ductile seismic response specified in the seismic design standards for this structural system type does not occur. In these conditions, the current research study presents a logical scheme regarding the development method of the MR RC frame system. The main element of the logic scheme is the seismic response of the RC frame systems designed only for gravity loads. In correspondence with the structural deficiency sources, several aspects regarding the seismic design method were established, followed by the improvement of the ductile design concept. Also, a couple of solutions regarding plastic hinges control and plastic hinges concentration in the marginal zones of the RC beams are presented. These solutions are directed to existing MR RC frame structures and new MR RC frame systems designed in accordance with the current seismic standards.