V3I6P118

Comparative Evaluation of Structural Stability in Multi-Storey Buildings with Floating Columns and Rotating Columns

Rohan Dileeprao Thombre^1*, L. S. Mahajan²

Abstract

Rapid urbanization has increased the use of innovative structural systems such as floating columns and rotating columns to meet architectural and space requirements in high-rise buildings. This study presents a comparative seismic analysis of G+15 reinforced concrete buildings with floating columns, rotating columns, and conventional RCC frames using STAAD Pro V8i. The analysis is carried out for Seismic Zone III according to IS 1893:2002 by evaluating support reactions, base shear, storey displacement, storey drift, node displacement, shear forces, and bending moments. The results show that floating columns increase seismic response, leading to higher support reactions, base shear, displacements, and internal forces compared to conventional buildings. In contrast, rotating columns demonstrate improved seismic performance with reduced storey and node displacements while maintaining structural stability. The study concludes that floating columns require additional strengthening for safe use in seismic regions, whereas rotating columns provide a more efficient alternative for achieving architectural flexibility with better earthquake resistance.

Keywords:

Floating column; Rotating column; Seismic analysis; Storey drift