Comparative analysis of the impact of design and detailing provisions for RC moment resisting frames under the first- and second-generation of Eurocode 8

Eurocode 8 is undergoing a thorough revision process encompassing a significant number of changes. In this work, the novel ductility classes, drift limits for damage limitation, local ductility conditions, and corresponding detailing prescriptions are presented and discussed. It is paramount to analyse and contrast these modifications with the current provisions of Eurocode 8. In order to assess the impact of such revisions, an extensive examination was conducted on ten symmetrical moment-resisting frame (MRF) buildings. These buildings are regular in plan and in elevation and are not torsionally flexible. The analysis was carried out following both the current and the second-generation Eurocode 8 provisions, with the results being compared in order to evaluate the effectiveness of the new design and detailing provisions. The study outcomes revealed that the DCM, DC2, and DC3 structures demonstrated different trends in their detailing demands for local ductility and capacity design. Differences in reinforcement quantities were observed between DCM and DC2, as well as DC2 and DC3, for 5-storey and 10-storey buildings. The design approach focused on individual member detailing requirements, to optimize design, while maintaining the overall concrete quantities. These insights offer valuable economic considerations for various structural configurations under strong seismic actions.