This article provides an analysis of a software-modelled reinforced concrete residential building, which has characteristics that would allow it to be constructed in different countries. The model was subjected to a high level of earthquake loading with properties specific to its site of construction. Using applicable and compatible earthquake and reinforced concrete codes, results were obtained and compared. The comparison results range from the consideration of seismic forces to the quantities of steel reinforcement required to strengthen the structural elements by examining their impact per square meter.this study, CYPECAD, a software program from CYPE Ingenieros (http://www.cype.com), was used as a tool for calculating the seismic response of the structure according to the seismic codes from a selection of countries in Europe, Northern Africa, and South and Central America. It was concluded that the seismic action depends heavily on the definition of the spectrum and the variability of the seismic factors considered according to each code, and that the American codes are more restrictive in terms of reinforcement requirements than the European codes. Furthermore, it was demonstrated that CYPECAD serves as an effective and powerful tool in obtaining results for the seismic analysis and design of structures. Copyright © 2011 IAHS.
