Title: Parametric study on lateral load response of reinforced concrete tube-in-tube buildings with variable column spacing and beam depth

Authors: Polu Sreevarsha; K.L. Radhika; Syed Majid Hashmi

Addresses: Structural Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, 500007, India ' Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering (Autonomous), Osmania University, Hyderabad, Telangana, India ' KMH Engineering, Bldg. No. 1749, Banjara Hills, Rd No. 12, Hyderabad, India

Abstract: This study investigates the structural behaviour of reinforced concrete tube-in-tube buildings subjected to lateral loads by varying column spacings (2.5 m, 3 m, 5 m, 6 m) and beam depths (800 mm, 1,000 mm, 1,200 mm, 1,500 mm). A 200-metre-tall building located in India, situated in Seismic Zone III and Wind Terrain Category 4, is analysed using ETABS Version 21 software. The parametric model incorporates four different column spacings and four beam depths. Earthquake analysis is conducted using the linear dynamic response spectrum method, while wind load analysis is carried out using the linear dynamic wind gust method. The results indicate that decreasing column spacing and increasing beam depth significantly reduce lateral displacements, inter-story drifts, and fundamental time period. Furthermore, as the stiffness of the outer tube increases, the shear lag effect diminishes, resulting in greater load transfer to the outer tube and reduced internal forces on the inner tube.

Keywords: lateral load resisting system; shear-lag effect; tall building; tube-in-tube building.

DOI: 10.1504/IJSTRUCTE.2026.153789

International Journal of Structural Engineering, 2026 Vol.16 No.2, pp.132 - 156

Received: 16 Jul 2024
Accepted: 26 Jun 2025
Published online: 26 May 2026 *

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