Thermal Effect on the Design Loads of Multi-Storey RC Buildings on Sloped Terrain in Saudi Arabia

Abstract This research investigates the impact of thermal loads on reinforced concrete (RC) buildings in Saudi Arabia and how they behave on sloped terrain. The study analyzed the effects of different types of support systems (hinged and fixed supports) and strengthening systems (with and without bracings) using the software ETABS-V20. Ground + 9 typical floors frame RC models on sloped terrain subjected to seismic loads were used for the investigation. The dynamic analysis of the ETABS models was performed to evaluate the lateral displacement, storey drift, column shear forces, and base shear forces of the buildings. The study found that using a bracing system and fixed supports under seismic loads increases the model’s displacement and storey drift compared to models with hinged supports and no bracing system. The maximum shear forces values were also higher for models with bracing systems and fixed supports, while the minimum values were for models without bracing systems and with hinged supports.