Modelling and Seismic Response Analysis of Italian Pre-Code and Low-Code Reinforced Concrete Buildings. Part I: Bare Frames

This study investigates the seismic response of reinforced concrete build- ings designed according to Italian regulations and construction practices for three different post-WWII periods, up to the 1990s. Additional key investigated parameters are the number of stories and the site hazard. The main issues related to non-seismic and early seismic design practices are discussed. The study compares the seismic response of the buildings, investigated through nonlinear static and dynamic analyses, with refer- ence to two performance levels, confirming and quantifying the increase in performance with the design codes evolution. The seismic behavior of infilled frames is investigated in the companion paper.