Advanced Earthquake-Resistant Design Techniques for Buildings
Advanced Earthquake-Resistant Design Techniques Earthquakes can impose complex and rapidly changing forces on buildings and infrastructure. Modern seismic engineering therefore goes beyond simply increasing the size of beams and columns. Advanced earthquake-resistant design focuses on ductility, energy dissipation, controlled movement, structural redundancy, and reducing the transmission of ground motion . Important: No building can be guaranteed to be completely “earthquake-proof.” The objective of seismic design is to achieve the performance required by the applicable building code and project criteria. 1. Base Isolation Base isolation is one of the best-known advanced seismic protection techniques. Instead of rigidly connecting the entire building to the ground, isolation devices are installed between the foundation and the superstructure. During an earthquake, the isolation system allows controlled movement while reducing the seismic forces transmitted into the building. ...