Seismic Design Concepts for Building Structures

Structural engineers have the responsibility for designing, sustaining, and upgrading structures and infrastructure which are exposed to a wide range of gravitational, environmental, and accidental loading conditions. When these scenarios involve loads which can be comparatively extreme and inherently uncertain, such as those due to significant earthquakes, the challenges posed become considerably more intricate and multifaceted. These exceptional actions also entail the use of unconventional design philosophies which are based on a realistic assessment of structural performance levels and associated risks. In recent years, advances in research have led to significant developments in seismic design. Progress in this field has been viable through a combined approach in which findings from theoretical and numerical investigations have been coupled with observations from full-scale tests on prototype structures and focused laboratory validations. The importance of reconnaissance fieldwork and the value of lessons learnt from past failures are also emphasized. The gradual shift in practice from prescriptive codes to performance-based seismic design procedures offers a reliable basis for achieving the primary objective of protecting lives, property, and livelihoods. As part of describing the progress made in linking research findings to practical design approaches, the evolution process of forthcoming seismic standards will also be outlined.