التصميم الإنشائي لمجمع سكني في مدينة نابلس - فلسطين
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Date
2025
Authors
احمد غنام
بتول خراز
حبيب الله قشوع
محمد جمعه
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Abstract
This report presents the structural design of a six-story reinforced concrete residential building located in Nablus, Palestine, developed in two successive phases: a gravity-load-only design followed by a full seismic redesign. Although the study was not initiated as a comparison between gravity-only and seismic design methodologies, the dual-phase development offers an opportunity to reflect on key observations, particularly regarding the influence of early design decisions on later seismic performance.
The structure, with a footprint of approximately 30 × 20 meters and moderate spans not exceeding 6 meters, was modeled using ETABS. Gravity design considered typical floor loads of 4 kN/m² superimposed dead and 3 kN/m² live, with 12 kN/m² live loads at the roof and ground floors, in addition to lateral earth and water pressures reaching up to 10 kN/m² in the basement. The structural system comprised solid two-way slabs at all levels, reinforced concrete columns (ranging from 120×40 cm at lower stories to 30×30 cm at upper ones), and 20 cm thick perimeter boundary walls — all contributing to vertical load resistance and transferring loads to isolated and strip footings. Basement retaining walls, 30 cm thick, were designed to withstand lateral soil and water loads. All elements were designed according to ACI 318-19, using load combinations and parameters from ASCE 7-16.
In the second phase, a full seismic assessment and design were conducted using the same model, modified to incorporate seismic definitions and structural refinements based on engineering judgment. The lateral force-resisting system was classified as a bearing wall system consisting of special reinforced concrete shear walls. Seismic analysis was carried out using both equivalent static and response spectrum procedures. Checks for irregularities, story drift, and P-Delta effects (found negligible) were conducted, followed by seismic design of structural members in compliance with ACI 318-19 Chapter 18. The final design reflected the combined demands of gravity and seismic actions.
While not intended as a comparative study, the project highlighted how certain early gravity-based decisions — particularly the adoption of solid slabs and perimeter reinforced concrete walls — may later contribute positively to seismic performance. These boundary walls, though often overlooked in gravity-only designs, offered notable lateral resistance without interfering with spatial or architectural functionality. Such findings are especially relevant to low- to mid-rise residential buildings common in Palestinian urban settings.