A M E R I C A N S O C I E T Y O F C I V I L E N G I N E E R S

Seismic
D esign and
Performance
of B uilding
Structures
TO R EG I S TER O R FO R M O R E I N FO R M ATI O N C ALL 1 -8 0 0 -5 4 8 -2 7 2 3 G
P U R P O S E AN D B AC K G R O U N D
Seismic engineering is one of the most rapidly evolving disciplines in the
civil/ structural engineering profession. Recent seismic events in the U.S.
and around the world have provided new insight into the way structures
perform when subjected to earthquake related ground motion. In the U.S.,
these events have focused the attention of government agencies, code
bodies, insurance companies, the scientific community and the general
public on safety hazards and potential losses associated with structures that
perform poorly during earthquakes. As a result, there is growing national
emphasis on seismic risk assessment, seismic design requirements for
new structures, and seismic retrofit of existing structures. Seismic provi-
sions of model building codes have been extensively revised in recent
years; many west coast communities have adopted certain mandatory
seismic upgrade requirements, and at least one state has instituted specific
earthquake related licensing requirements for professional engineers.
Many structural engineers have limited experience concerning the
behavior of structures subjected to strong ground motion. In addition,
most building code seismic design provisions are prescriptive in nature
and provide little or no insight into actual structural performance.
This two-day seminar provides a thorough introduction to the prin-
ciples of seismic design and performance.The instructors make exten-
sive use of experience and practical applications of earthquake engi-
neering to give participants a solid foundation in seismic design philoso-
phy and the basic tools necessary for evaluating seismic performance
of new and existing structures.
DAY ONE of this seminar concentrates on basic seismic design prin
ciples and covers earthquake characteristics, basic structural dynamics and
fundamentals of earthquake and structure interaction.
The Modern Approach to Seismic Design segment explains funda-
mental differences between earthquake demands and other loads
common in structural design. Basic objectives in seismic design as well
as the role of ductility and damping in seismic performance are
described.
Modern Building Codes covers the basics of the current building
code approach to seismic design. Basic steps in the code design
process are covered with emphasis on the philosophy behind code
provisions and limitations.
The first day concludes with a discussion of Typical Structural
Systems and Load Paths that provide resistance to seismic demands in
building structures. These include rigid and flexible diaphragms, shear
walls, braced frames, moment frames and foundations. Each of the
basic elements is critically examined and the seismic capabilities of both
new and existing systems are explored. Case studies are used exten-
sively to demonstrate actual behavior during recent seismic events.
Seismic retrofit concepts for each element in the load path are also
presented.
DAY TWO includes design examples selected to demonstrate the use of
the building code as well as code limitations. Elastic Seismic Analysis
covers simple analytical methods by which relative strength (demand to
capacity ratios) can be used to identify potential weak links in lateral load
SEMINAR BENEFITS:
G Learn techniques for enhancing seismic
performance of existing structures and
new construction.
G Identify the differences between seismic
loading and other forms of structural
loading.
G Find out how to apply simple principles of
structural dynamics in seismic design and
analysis.
G Understand the role of ductility in seismic
performance and the use of response
spectra.
G Explore characteristics of lateral load
resisting elements and load paths.
G Understand the purposes and limitations
of current building code seismic provi-
sions.
G Develop skills for assessing seismic
behavior of existing structures.
G SEISMIC DESIGN AND PERFORMANCE OF BUILDING STRUCTURES
resisting systems. "Inelastic Response" covers methods to
determine ultimate inelastic capacity and displacement in struc-
tures subjected to strong ground motion.
After attending this seminar, you will be able to avoid
common mistakes in seismic design, identify seismic-related
deficiencies in existing structures, and more effectively miti-
gate seismic hazards in new and existing structures.
S P EC IAL FEATU R ES
G
This 16-hour seminar is approved by the Illinois Depart-
ment of Professional Regulations Structural Engineering
Board and satisfies the requirement for seismic design
knowledge for license renewal in November 1996.
G
Each participant will receive a copy of NEHRP Recom-
mended Provisions for the Development of Seismic
Regulations for New Buildings, course notes and
references.
S EM IN AR IN S TR U C TO R S
D R . H O WAR D J. H ILL, P.E., S.E., Consultant Level Structural Engi-
neer, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., Northbrook, Illinois.
Dr. Hills primary area of practice involves evaluation of existing
structures and structural failures. His earthquake engineering
experience includes numerous damage assessment projects,
detailed seismic evaluations of proposed and existing struc-
tures, design of comprehensive repair and retrofit programs,
and peer reviews. He has lectured extensively on seismic design
and performance and is an instructor for a State of Illinois
approved earthquake engineering course. He is a member of the
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute.
WILLIAM J. N U G EN T, P.E., S.E., Manager of the Structural
Engineering Group, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.,
Northbrook, Illinois, has more than 20 years experience in
evaluation and repair of damaged or distressed structures.
Mr. Nugent was heavily involved in the field examination and
design of repairs for structures damaged during the 1989
Loma Prieta and 1994 Northridge earthquakes. He has lec-
tured on seismic performance, non-destructive testing, and
structural failure. He is a member of ASCEand ASTM.
WH O S H O U LD ATTEN D
Structural engineers with little or no experience in seismic
engineering will learn the basics of the current approach to
design and evaluation of structures subjected to earthquake
loading. Structural engineers experienced in the use of building
code provisions for seismic design will benefit from the segment
on code philosophy and limitations and the sessions devoted to
performance and evaluation of existing structures.
WH AT TH EY S AID
Very informative regarding the prudent use of model building
codes and in designing structures to behave as desired in an
earthquake.
Mr. David Stephens, Staff Engineer, Lockheed Martin
D AY O N E
General Background
Earthquake characteristics
Basic structural dynamics
Earthquake/ structure interaction
and response spectra
Modern Approach to Seismic Design
Earthquake demand compared to other
structural loads
The role of ductility
Seismic design objectives
Modern Building Codes
Hazard maps, design spectra, risk
Soil factors
Response modification factors
Deflection limitations
Irregularities
Equivalent lateral force procedure
Performance based analyses
Typical Structural Systems and Load Paths In New
and Existing Structures
Diaphragms
Shear walls, braced frames, moment frames
Foundations
Case Histories
Retrofit Concepts
D AY TWO
Typical Structural Systems and Load Paths In New
and Existing Structures (continued)
Design Examples
Steel
Concrete
Elastic Seismic Analysis
Element and connection capacities
Damping
Relative strength (demand/ capacity ratio)
Inelastic Response
Ductile and non-ductile response
Capacity spectrum methods
Energy methods
Summary Outline: