Application of UBC and IBC Seismic Codes For R.C. Buildings Design in Sudan

Abstract

This research dealt with the investigation of possibility of the use of the two representative seismic codes, UBC 1997, and IBC 2006, for seismic force analysis of R.C. buildings in Sudan. The theory of the seismic forces analysis was studied and presented. A R.C. building of eight storeys constructed in two sites, a very low seismic active site and a moderate seismic active site in Sudan which was analyzed by using ETABSv9.7.4 computer program. Utilizing data of the two sites, application of the provisions of each code for each case was conducted. A comparison was made for the provisions of the two codes, and the difficulties of using each code recorded. Then, the results obtained were analyzed, compared and discussed .Based on the comparison recommendations were drawn to which of the codes is a suitable choice for use in Sudan. The study concluded that the IBC 2006 code is more suitable and is to be adopted for use in Sudan.