Impact of the evolution of the RPA 2024 seismic code and major earthquakes on the seismic response of self-stable reinforced concrete buildings

This article presents a multi-spectral and multi-normative analysis of the seismic response of self-stable reinforced concrete frame buildings with one to six storeys located in areas of high seismicity. Using ETABS v2018, the seismic performance prescribed by the new Algerian code RPA 2024 is compared with that of RPA 99/2003 and with several historical seismic records, including El Centro, Kobe, and Boumerdès (Dar El-Beïda station, Algeria). The results show that the seismic response of the studied structures depends strongly on building height and on the compatibility between the fundamental period and the characteristics of the response spectra. While RPA 2024 introduces more stringent requirements for low-rise buildings, certain records, particularly Kobe, lead to seismic responses that significantly exceed the corresponding code-based demands. These findings indicate that some seismic design approaches may be exposed to demand levels not fully captured by current codes. The study underscores the importance of considering severe seismic scenarios in compliance checks and highlights the need to adapt the seismic performance of existing buildings to the new regulatory framework.