Fundamenteal aspects of the seismic design codes

Abstract

The earthquake resistant design codes in force in the different countries are applied to the field of building structures. However, some of the standards give a certain appearance of "generality" that can give the impression that these are mandatory for any type of structure. In fact, the rules are general only in the definition of the seismic hazard of the area to which they apply, that is, in relation to the maximum ground acceleration. However, in each country, there are other specific codes for the design of non-building structures. This chapter describes the dynamic calculations foreseen in the building seismic design standards; the use of simplified, shear building models; the usual procedure of dynamic calculation of structures based on modal analysis; and, finally, the use of linear and non-linear response seismic spectra, which provides only the maximum response of the structure.