A review of reference models for assessing inelastic seismic torsional effects in buildings

Abstract This paper reviews the various forms of reference model adopted for studies that evaluate inelastic seismic torsional effects and assess their implications for building design. Both qualitative and quantitative comparisons are presented. The importance of selecting an appropriate reference model is in accordance with the above aims is emphasised. It is found that variations in the reference models adopted in analyses of inelastic seismic torsional effects may lead to significant differences in the results obtained and, hence, to the conclusions drawn from such studies. It is demonstrated that accidental torsional effects, as incorporated in code design provisions, result in significant changes to the distribution of element strengths and the inelastic response behaviour of symmetric and generalised torsionally balanced reference models. Such changes should be considered when employing such models to evaluate the ineslatic response of torsionally unbalanced building systems.