Structural analysis concepts in the seismic design codes

Abstract

The standards make recommendations regarding the seismic loads, the simplified methods of structural analysis, the criteria that must be applied to ensure its good global seismic behavior, as well as the earthquake resistant design details that must be applied. The structural analysis procedures included in all the seismic design standards are based on concepts generally used in the static and dynamic analysis of structures. However, when considering the possibility of using simplified procedures of dynamic calculation and of formulas that allow approximating the values of the dynamic characteristics of buildings, the mentioned concepts are not explained in a clear way. For this reason, the present monograph analyzes the content of the earthquake-resistant design codes in relation to the calculation methods they propose, explaining the concepts of structural analysis that are applied in each case, with special reference to Spanish regulations in force, NCSE-02. In addition, this monograph deals with aspects of conceptual design, which provides qualitative descriptions of design solutions based on the designer's experience. In this phase, the structural typology, the plan form of the structure, the distribution of the masses in height and the rigidities are chosen, the organization of the resistant system is specified, etc. It should be mentioned that in many regulations the conceptual design is specified in rules that are not justified in the text. All this implies taking decisive decisions in the initial phases of the design of structures, which condition the seismic behavior of the structures to such an extent that all the subsequent calculations, as well as the design details that are applied, may not have the expected effect.