KATHMANDU UNIVERSITY

SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND GEOMATICS ENGINEERING

PROJECT REPORT ON
DEMONSTRATIVE MODEL OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT BUILDING WITH
BRACING

SUBMITTED TO
Er Vimesh Paudel
SUPERVISOR
Er Shyam Sundar Khadka.
DEPARTMENT OF CIVIL AND GEOMATICS ENGINEERING

SUBMITTED BY
CIVIL (II/I)
GROUP: (5)
[NAME OF STUDENTS ACCORDING TO ROLL NUMBER]
Ravi Bhandari (5)
Suman G.C (15)
Aashish Prasad Khanal (25)
Nitish Kumar Sah (35)
Prerana Shrestha (45)
Komal Thapa (55)

Feb 8, 2019
 ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
We extend our gratitude towards Head of Department Asst. Prof. Dr. Prachand Man Pradhan for
creating such an ambience environment for imparting the knowledge they have learned over their
past years about the earthquake resistant building. We are very obliged to Dr. Shyam Sundar
Khadka who guided and managed contacts which assisted us in accessing datum and information
on our concerned topic.
We are very thankful to the house owner of our sample building for giving us permission to take
measurements of the building. We would also like to extend our thanks to the TTC and our civil
lab for providing us place and materials to construct our model.
The critics we gained from our respectful teachers have assisted us in many ways to improve our
skills and caliber on information gathering, group discussion, selection of references as well as
report writing.

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TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 INTRODUCTION:...........................................................................................................1
1.1 BRACING:........................................................................................................................1
2 OBJECTIVES:...................................................................................................................2
3 LIMITATIONS:................................................................................................................2
4 LITERATURE REVIEW:.............................................................................................3
4.1 VERTICAL BRACING....................................................................................................3
4.2 HORIZONTAL BRACING..............................................................................................3
TYPES OF BRACING................................................................................................................3
4.2.1 SINGLE DIAGONAL:..............................................................................................3
4.2.2 K-BRACING:............................................................................................................3
4.2.3 V-BRACING:............................................................................................................4
4.2.4 ECCENTRIC BRACING:.........................................................................................4
4.2.5 CROSS BRACING:...................................................................................................5
4.2.6 SEISMIC DAMPER:.................................................................................................6
4.3 FOUNDATION:...............................................................................................................6
4.4 COLUMN:........................................................................................................................7
4.5 BEAM:..............................................................................................................................7
5 METHODOLOGY:..........................................................................................................8
5.1 DATA COLLECTION OF THE SAMPLE BUILDING:................................................8
5.2 MATERIAL COLLECTION:...........................................................................................9
5.3 AUTO CAD DRAWING OF BUILDING:......................................................................9
5.4 MODEL CONSTRUCTION:.........................................................................................11
5.4.1 SCALE REDUCTION AND MAT PREPARATION:...........................................11
5.4.2 COLUMN FORMATION:......................................................................................12
5.4.3 BRACING INSTALLATION:................................................................................13
6 WORK SCHEDULE:....................................................................................................14
7 EXPENDITURE..............................................................................................................15
8 CONCLUSION:...............................................................................................................16
9 REFERENCES:...............................................................................................................17

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LIST OF FIGURES:
Figure 1: V-Bracing (inverted)........................................................................................................3
Figure 2: K-Bracing.........................................................................................................................3
Figure 3: V-Bracing.........................................................................................................................4
Figure 4: Eccentric-Bracing.............................................................................................................4
Figure 5: Cross-Bracing...................................................................................................................5
Figure 6: Bracing with seismic damper...........................................................................................6
Figure 7: Mat foundation.................................................................................................................6
Figure 8: Columns...........................................................................................................................7
Figure 9: Sample Building...............................................................................................................8
Figure 10: Mat Foundation............................................................................................................11
Figure 11: Column Casting............................................................................................................12
Figure 12: Drilling in braces..........................................................................................................13
Figure 13: Final Model..................................................................................................................13

LIST OF TABLES:
Table 1: Work Schedule................................................................................................................14
Table 2: Expenditure......................................................................................................................15

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Project Summary:
Our project consists of a demonstrative mode of earthquake resistant building with bracing. We
have taken a sample building nearby KU. In which we have implemented the concept of bracing.
We took the measurement of the building considering its column, beam etc. Reducing it into
suitable scale we have constructed our demonstrative model. Though we were expecting our
model to be working one but due to stiffness of the material we couldn’t do so. We took single
story of the building as a reference and use the concept of bracing. After the disastrous
earthquake of 2015 our government put the earthquake resistant building policy. If we are able to
use this concept of bracing in accordance with the policy, we will somehow able to resist
earthquake. In this project we learnt the concept of bracing, how it works, since we built the
masonry structure, we are able to learn about mat foundation, columns, beams casting etc. which
are additional benefits for us.

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1 INTRODUCTION:
In the modern era, the concept of earthquake resistant building is the matter of global concern.
The government of Nepal has given more emphasis to this concept and put towards same legal
action too we have various methods for the construction of earthquake resistant buildings.
Bracing method for earthquake resistant building is one of the most popular solution given by
the structural specialists.
1.1 BRACING:
A braced frame is a structural system commonly used in structures subject to lateral loads such
as wind and seismic pressure. The members in a braced frame are generally made of structural
steel, which can work effectively both in tension and compression.
Several techniques are used to make buildings more resistant to earthquakes. One of them is
bracing. A building with full bracing will not lose its shape and collapse. S-waves (shear waves)
are responsible for most of the damages during an earthquake, because they shake the buildings
from left to right, which weakens their structure. The bracing helps keep the shape of the
building, and if the foundations are built on bedrock, the building may resist even the biggest
earthquakes.

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2 OBJECTIVES:
The primary objectives of our project:
1. To prepare a demonstrative model of bracing in buildings.
2. To gain practical engineering ideas of earthquake resistant building.
3. To study about the essential steps to construct earthquake resistant building.

3 LIMITATIONS:
1. Due to lack of experience, proper finishing of the model could not be done.
2. Though we were expecting our model to be working one but due to stiffness of the
material we couldn’t do so.

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4 LITERATURE REVIEW:
The resistance to horizontal forces is provided by two bracing systems:
4.1 VERTICAL BRACING
Bracing between column lines (in vertical planes) provides load paths for the transference of
horizontal forces to ground level. Framed buildings required at least three planes of vertical
bracing to brace both directions in plan and to resist torsion about a vertical axis.
4.2 HORIZONTAL BRACING
The bracing at each floor (in horizontal planes) provides load paths for the transference of
horizontal forces to the planes of vertical bracing. Horizontal bracing is needed at each floor
level, however, the floor system itself may provide sufficient resistance. Roofs may require
bracing
TYPES OF BRACING:
4.2.1 SINGLE DIAGONAL:
Trussing, or triangulation, is formed by inserting diagonal structural members into rectangular
areas of a structural frame, helping to stabilize the frame. If a single brace is used, it must be
sufficiently resistant to tension and compression

Figure 1: V-Bracing (inverted)

Source (www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures) (Time 6:50 P.M, sept 20, 2018)

4.2.2 K-BRACING:
Braces connect to the columns at mid-height. This frame has more flexibility for the provision
of openings and results in the least bending in floor beams. K-bracing is generally discouraged
in seismic regions because of the potential for column failure if the compression brace
buckles.

Figure 2: K-Bracing

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 Source (www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures) (Time 7:00 P.M, Sept 20, 2018)

4.2.3 V-BRACING:
This involves two diagonal members extending from the top two corners of a horizontal
member and meeting at a center point at the lower horizontal member, in the shape of a V.
Inverted V-bracing (also known as chevron bracing) involves the two members meeting at a
center point on the upper horizontal member.
Both mean that the buckling capacity of the compression brace is likely to be significantly less
than the tension yield capacity of the tension brace. This can mean that when the braces reach
their resistance capacity, the load must instead be resisted in the bending of the horizontal
member.

Figure 3: V-Bracing

Source (www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures) (Time 7:05 P.M, Sept 20, 2018)

4.2.4 ECCENTRIC BRACING:

This is commonly used in seismic regions. It is similar to V-bracing but instead of the bracing
members meeting at a center point there is space between them at the top connection. Bracing
members connect to separate points on the horizontal beams. This is so that the 'link' between
the bracing members absorbs energy from seismic activity through plastic deformation.
Eccentric single diagonals can also be used to brace a frame

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Figure 4: Eccentric-Bracing
Source (www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures) (Time 7:10 P.M, Sept 20, 2018)

4.2.5 CROSS BRACING:

Cross-bracing (or X-bracing) uses two diagonal members crossing each other. These only
need to be resistant to tension, one brace acting to resist sideways forces at a time depending
on the direction of loading. As a result, steel cables can also be used for cross-bracing.
However, this provides the least available space within the façade for openings and results in
the greatest bending in floor beams

Figure 5: Cross-Bracing

Source (www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures) (Time 7:20 P.M, Sept 20, 2018)

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4.2.6 SEISMIC DAMPER:
A mechanic device to dissipate kinetic energy of seismic waves penetrating a building structure.
A damper resists dynamic motion and remove energy from a structure during wind or seismic
events, allowing it to withstand the harsh input energy.

Figure 6: Bracing with seismic damper

Source (http://www.enka.com.gr/en/services/contracting-services/seismic-upgrade-protection/) (Time

11:44 A.M, 07 Feb 2019)

4.3 FOUNDATION:
A foundation is a lower portion of building structure that transfers its gravity loads to the earth.
Foundations are generally broken into two categories: shallow foundations and deep foundations.
In our project model we used mat foundation.

Figure 7: Mat foundation

Source (http://esfpt.com/images/slider/) (Time 6:24 P.M. Feb, 07, 2019)

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4.4 COLUMN:
A column or pillar in architecture and structural engineering is a structural element that
transmits, through compression, the weight of the structure above to other structural elements
below. In other words, a column is a compression member.

Figure 8: Columns
Source(https://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photos-reinforced-concrete-pillars-building-site-house-under-
construction-image33520863)( Time 6:19 P.M. Feb, 07, 2019)

4.5 BEAM:
A beam is a structural element that primarily resists loads applied laterally to the beam's axis. Its
mode of deflection is primarily by bending. The loads applied to the beam result in reaction
forces at the beam's support points.

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5 METHODOLOGY:
Our project was complete in following steps:
5.1 DATA COLLECTION OF THE SAMPLE BUILDING:
As per the supervision of our supervisor we took an existing building near KU and the
measurements were taken which are listed below:
Number of stories = 3
Dimensions: 15.17 ft * 37.9 ft * 26.75 ft
Height of column = 10 ft
Width of column = 1ft
Thickness of column = 1ft
Height of beam = 11 In
Width of beam = 9 In

Figure 9: Sample Building

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5.2 MATERIAL COLLECTION:
As we were supposed to make our model working, we spent lots of time in selection of the
material as stiffness could be the barrier. We have to prepare a model of true existing building,
we thought of making it demonstrative one so that we could learn the basic concept of mat
preparation, column, beams casting, concreting etc. So, we collected the materials as follows:
i. Rebars
ii. Plywood
iii. Steel wires
5.3 AUTO CAD DRAWING OF BUILDING:

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5.4 MODEL CONSTRUCTION:
5.4.1 SCALE REDUCTION AND MAT PREPARATION:
Our model should be prepared within plywood of dimension (1m*1m) so, the appropriate scale
of our model is calculated as 1:25 along the length of building and 1:15 for remaining all
dimensions.
Preparation of mat was done in following ways:
i. TMT bars were cut into pieces using hack saw
ii. Pieces were arranged in such a way that 1 box gives the dimension of 2cm * 2cm.
iii. Pieces were joined by welding.

Figure 10: Mat Foundation

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Calculation:
Mix calculation
Volume of foundation = (38 * 46* 4.5) - (10 * 8 * 4.5) = 6.264 *10-3m3
For M15 concrete =1:2:4
Consider 1m3 of concrete (Wet Volume)
Dry volume of concrete =1+1*0.54 (Dry volume is increased by 54%)
M15 =1:2:4
Total ratio =1+2+4=7
Quantity of cement in m3 = (1/7) * 1.54 = 0.22m3
Quantity of cement in Kg = Density of cement * Volume
= 1440 * 0.22 = 316.8 Kg
For 6.264 * 10 m = 6.264 * 10-3 * 316.8 = 1.99 Kg.
-3 3

Water cement ratio for M15 concrete = 0.5

Amount of water = 0.5 * 1.99 = 0.995 l
Quantity of sand in m3 = (2/7) * 1.54 = 0.44 m3
Quantity of sand in kg = 1450 * 0.44 = 638 kg
For 6.264 * 10-3 m3 = 6.264*10-3 * 638 = 3.99 kg
Quantity of aggregate in m3 = (4/7) * 1.54 = 0.88 m3
Quantity of aggregate in kg = 1500 * 0.88 = 1320 kg
For 6.264 * 10-3 m3 = 6.264 * 10-3 * 1320 = 8.26 kg
5.4.2 COLUMN FORMATION:
TMT rods of 4.75 mm were used for the columns, stirrups are arranged in the column in such a
way that the distance between two consecutive stirrups is 2.5 cm, 12 columns were made and
then concreting of mat and column was done as per M15 mix.

Figure 11: Column Casting

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5.4.3 BRACING INSTALLATION:
GI sheet were used to make braces. Cross braces were introduced in out project model. One end
of the brace was attached to beam and other end was attached to bottom of column by the help of
nut and bolt.

Figure 12: Drilling in braces

Figure 13: Final Model

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6 WORK SCHEDULE:
Table 1: Work Schedule

Months September Octobe November December January February

r
Weeks 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 1 2 3 4 2 3 4 1 2
Preliminary
Research
Discussion
Consultation
Submission
and
presentation
of proposal
Material
collection
and model
construction
Midterm
presentation
Finishing of
the model
Final report
presentation

Work
Completed

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7 EXPENDITURE
Table 2: Expenditure

S.N. Materials Size Quantity Rate Cost (Rs.)

1 Plywood 1 m2 1 800 m-2 800
2 Rebar 4.75 mm 10 Kg 97 Kg-1 970
-1
3 Steel wires 1.5 mm 4 Kg 60 Kg 240
4 Hacksaw blade 5 10 piece-1 50
5 Color 1L 1 500 L-1 500
6 Binding Wires 1 Kg 70 kg-1 70
Total Rs.2630

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8 CONCLUSION:
Finally, after 14 weeks of hard work we constructed our demonstrative model of the earthquake
resistant building with bracing with assistance of our project supervisor and seniors, we built a
demonstrative model and also got familiar with the engineering terms, skills, and the use of
different tools. We faced a lot of problems during our project days but we seek the solutions for
them. Despite the lack of experience, we completed our project within the expected time and
estimated budget.

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9 REFERENCES:
1. www.wikipedia.com
2. www.designingbuildings.co.uk/wiki/Braced_frame_structures
3. www.earthobservatory.sg/faq-on-earth-sciences/why-does-building-full-bracing-resist-
better-earthquake-building-no-bracing
4. www.Google.com

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