Research Article

Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process

Volume: 37 Number: 1 January 2, 2026
TR EN

Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process

Abstract

Proportion and detailing reinforcement for all structural members to resist internal forces occurring during strong ground motion are among the main seismic design criteria for reinforced concrete (RC) frame systems. Preliminary design is a crucial step in order to reach a proper final design. However, this stage mainly depends on the experience and intuition of the practitioner. The main aim of this study is to apply a multicriteria decision-making tool, namely Analytical Hierarchy Process (AHP) in selecting the optimal design candidate. A total of 76 optimal designed models out of 3,074 code-compiled buildings were selected based on the considered criteria via AHP procedure. During the analysis, the influence of selected design parameters such as site conditions, strength, ductility, and construction material on the optimal seismic design of these structures are investigated. Findings contribute to the optimization of structural design for both performance and monetary efficiency, while reducing the negative environmental effects.

Keywords

Supporting Institution

Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, (TÜBİTAK, Turkish Research Foundation)

Project Number

121M713

Ethical Statement

This work has been funded and supported by the Scientific and Technological Research Council of Türkiye, (TÜBİTAK, Turkish Research Foundation), Project ID: 121M713.

References

  1. American Society of Civil Engineers, Minimum design loads and associated criteria for buildings and other structures, American Society of Civil Engineers, 2017. https://doi.org/10.1061/9780784414248.
  2. Ministry of Environment and Urbanisation, Turkish Building Earthquake Code, Ankara, Turkey, 2018.
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  4. V. Mohsenian, I. Hajirasouliha, A. Nikkhoo, Multi-level response modification factor estimation for steel moment-resisting frames using endurance-time method, Journal of Earthquake Engineering (2020) 1–21.
  5. P. Oggu, K. Gopikrishna, A. Nagariya, Seismic behavior and response reduction factors for concrete moment-resisting frames, Bulletin of Earthquake Engineering 19 (2021) 5643–5663.
  6. Ö. Yurdakul, B. Duran, O. Tunaboyu, Ö. Avşar, Field reconnaissance on seismic performance of RC buildings after the January 24, 2020 Elazığ-Sivrice earthquake, Natural Hazards 105 (2021) 859–887. https://doi.org/10.1007/s11069-020-04340-x.
  7. M. Ghandil, F. Behnamfar, Ductility demands of MRF structures on soft soils considering soil-structure interaction, Soil Dynamics and Earthquake Engineering 92 (2017) 203–214.
  8. A. Sharma, R. K Tripathi, G. Bhat, Comparative performance evaluation of RC frame structures using direct displacement-based design method and force-based design method, Asian Journal of Civil Engineering 21 (2020) 381–394.

Details

Primary Language

English

Subjects

Reinforced Concrete Buildings, Earthquake Engineering, Structural Engineering

Journal Section

Research Article

Early Pub Date

October 12, 2025

Publication Date

January 2, 2026

Submission Date

January 8, 2025

Acceptance Date

October 3, 2025

Published in Issue

Year 2026 Volume: 37 Number: 1

APA
Dindar, A. A., Bozer, A., Özkaynak, H., Güllü, A., Müderrisoğlu, Z., Çalım, F., & Hasanoglu, S. (2026). Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process. Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering, 37(1), 81-108. https://doi.org/10.18400/tjce.1615639
AMA
1.Dindar AA, Bozer A, Özkaynak H, et al. Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process. TJCE. 2026;37(1):81-108. doi:10.18400/tjce.1615639
Chicago
Dindar, Ahmet Anıl, Ali Bozer, Hasan Özkaynak, et al. 2026. “Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process”. Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering 37 (1): 81-108. https://doi.org/10.18400/tjce.1615639.
EndNote
Dindar AA, Bozer A, Özkaynak H, Güllü A, Müderrisoğlu Z, Çalım F, Hasanoglu S (January 1, 2026) Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process. Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering 37 1 81–108.
IEEE
[1]A. A. Dindar et al., “Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process”, TJCE, vol. 37, no. 1, pp. 81–108, Jan. 2026, doi: 10.18400/tjce.1615639.
ISNAD
Dindar, Ahmet Anıl - Bozer, Ali - Özkaynak, Hasan - Güllü, Ahmet - Müderrisoğlu, Ziya - Çalım, Furkan - Hasanoglu, Serkan. “Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process”. Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering 37/1 (January 1, 2026): 81-108. https://doi.org/10.18400/tjce.1615639.
JAMA
1.Dindar AA, Bozer A, Özkaynak H, Güllü A, Müderrisoğlu Z, Çalım F, Hasanoglu S. Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process. TJCE. 2026;37:81–108.
MLA
Dindar, Ahmet Anıl, et al. “Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process”. Turkish Journal of Civil Engineering, vol. 37, no. 1, Jan. 2026, pp. 81-108, doi:10.18400/tjce.1615639.
Vancouver
1.Ahmet Anıl Dindar, Ali Bozer, Hasan Özkaynak, Ahmet Güllü, Ziya Müderrisoğlu, Furkan Çalım, Serkan Hasanoglu. Optimal Seismic Design of Code-Compliant RC Moment Frames Through Analytic Hierarchy Process. TJCE. 2026 Jan. 1;37(1):81-108. doi:10.18400/tjce.1615639

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