Seismic Design Principles & Effects

User

Seismic design philosophy- Stiffness, strength,

Ductility, damping, center of mass, center of rigidity,

Torsion.

Earth quake effects on ground-liquefaction, land slides

Seismic design philosophy is a set of principles and guidelines used in engineering to design structures
that can withstand the effects of earthquakes. The key aspects of seismic design philosophy include:

Stiffness: The structure should have sufficient stiffness to resist lateral forces generated during an
earthquake. Stiffness helps in reducing the displacements and accelerations experienced by the
structure.

Strength: The structure should have adequate strength to resist the forces induced by an earthquake.
Strength ensures that the structure can withstand the maximum expected ground motion without
undergoing excessive deformation or failure.

Ductility: Ductility refers to the ability of a structure to undergo large deformations while still maintaining
its strength and stability. Ductile structures can absorb and dissipate seismic energy, preventing sudden
and catastrophic failures.

Damping: Damping is the ability of a structure to dissipate energy during seismic vibrations. Structures
with proper damping mechanisms can reduce the amplitude of vibrations, reducing the potential for
damage.

Center of Mass: The center of mass of a structure should be properly located to ensure stability during
seismic events. Proper distribution of mass helps in minimizing the torsional effects and preventing
overturning.

Center of Rigidity: The center of rigidity represents the point in a structure that experiences the least
deformation during an earthquake. It is important to align the center of mass and center of rigidity to
minimize torsion and uneven distribution of forces.
Torsion: Torsion refers to the twisting or rotational effect induced in a structure during an earthquake. It
can cause uneven distribution of forces and stresses, leading to structural damage. Proper design should
account for torsional effects and ensure structural integrity.

Regarding earthquake effects on the ground, two important phenomena are liquefaction and landslides:

Liquefaction: Liquefaction occurs when saturated soil loses its strength and stiffness due to the shaking
caused by an earthquake. The ground behaves like a liquid, resulting in the sinking, tilting, or settlement
of structures built on or near liquefiable soils.

Landslides: Earthquakes can trigger landslides in hilly or mountainous areas. The shaking can destabilize
slopes, leading to the downward movement of soil, rocks, and debris. Landslides can cause significant
damage to structures and pose risks to human life in affected areas.

Understanding the potential for liquefaction and landslides is crucial in seismic design and site selection
to mitigate their effects. Geotechnical investigations and appropriate engineering measures are
implemented to address these hazards and ensure the safety of structures in earthquake-prone regions.

_______________________

Masonry Building & Earthquake Resistance

User

Behaviour of Masonry building during earthquakes. Earth

Quake resistant provisions. Best practices-IS4326,IS13828

ChatGPT

During earthquakes, masonry buildings behave differently compared to other types of structures such as
steel or reinforced concrete. The behavior of masonry buildings during earthquakes depends on various
factors including the quality of construction, design considerations, and the severity of the earthquake.
Here are some general aspects of masonry building behavior and earthquake-resistant provisions:
In-plane and out-of-plane response: Masonry walls can experience both in-plane and out-of-plane
response during an earthquake. In-plane response refers to the movement of the wall along its own
plane, while out-of-plane response refers to the wall’s movement perpendicular to its plane. Out-of-
plane response is generally more critical as it can lead to wall collapse.

Lack of ductility: Masonry materials, such as bricks or concrete blocks, have limited ductility compared to
materials like steel or reinforced concrete. Ductility allows a structure to absorb and dissipate
earthquake energy through plastic deformation, reducing the likelihood of sudden collapse. Due to the
lack of ductility, masonry buildings are more susceptible to damage during earthquakes.

Vulnerability to cracking: Masonry structures are prone to cracking, which can occur due to ground
shaking and differential settlement. These cracks can compromise the structural integrity of the building
and lead to progressive failure during subsequent seismic events.

To enhance the earthquake resistance of masonry buildings, various provisions and best practices have
been developed. In India, the following Indian Standards (IS) provide guidelines for earthquake-resistant
design and construction of masonry buildings:

IS 4326: “Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of Buildings – Code of Practice”: This standard
provides guidelines for the seismic design and construction of various types of buildings, including
masonry structures. It covers aspects such as design parameters, load calculations, detailing of
reinforcement, and construction practices to improve the earthquake resistance of masonry buildings.

IS 13828: “Improving Earthquake Resistance of Low Strength Masonry Buildings – Guidelines”: This
standard specifically focuses on low-strength masonry buildings commonly found in rural areas. It
provides guidelines for improving their seismic performance through retrofitting and strengthening
techniques.

Some common earthquake-resistant provisions and best practices for masonry buildings, as per these
standards, include:

a. Adequate wall thickness: Walls should have sufficient thickness based on the design
considerations to resist the lateral forces generated by earthquakes.
 b. Vertical and horizontal reinforcement: The use of vertical and horizontal reinforcement, such as
steel bars, can enhance the strength and ductility of masonry walls, reducing the chances of
collapse.

c. Proper wall-to-wall and wall-to-floor connections: Strong connections between walls and
between walls and floors are crucial to ensure the overall stability of the building during seismic
events.

d. Proper foundation design: A well-designed foundation system that accounts for the soil
conditions and the expected seismic forces is essential to prevent excessive settlement and
overturning of masonry structures.

e. Quality construction practices: Following good construction practices, such as ensuring proper
mortar mix, adequate curing, and proper alignment of masonry units, is crucial to enhance the
seismic performance of masonry buildings.

It is important to note that these provisions and best practices are specific to the Indian context. Other
countries might have their own codes and guidelines for masonry construction during earthquakes.
Consulting local seismic design codes and engaging qualified professionals with expertise in earthquake-
resistant design is essential to ensure the safety and resilience of masonry buildings in specific regions.

_________________________________

User

Earthquake resistant Reinforced Concrete Structures –

Elastic structures. Study of shear walls and diagonal

Framing.

Earthquake resistant Reinforcement detailing –beams,

Columns, beam column joints, openings- IS code

Explanation-IS 1893,IS 13920

ChatGPT

Earthquake-resistant reinforced concrete structures are designed to withstand the lateral forces and
ground shaking caused by earthquakes. Two important components of such structures are shear walls
and diagonal framing.

Shear walls are vertical structural elements made of reinforced concrete that provide stiffness and
strength to the building. They are designed to resist the horizontal forces generated during an
earthquake. Shear walls are typically placed in the core of the building or along the perimeter to form a
structural skeleton. They transfer the lateral forces to the foundation and help reduce the building’s
overall displacement and deformation.

Diagonal framing, also known as bracing, is a system of diagonal members that are placed in the building
frame to resist lateral forces. These members are designed to act as tension and compression elements,
absorbing and redistributing the seismic energy. Diagonal framing helps enhance the overall structural
stability and prevents the building from collapsing during an earthquake.

Reinforcement detailing is a crucial aspect of earthquake-resistant design. It involves specifying the

arrangement and configuration of reinforcement bars within concrete structural elements. Here’s a brief
explanation of reinforcement detailing for various components based on the Indian Standard (IS) codes:

Beams: In beam reinforcement detailing, the main reinforcement bars (bottom and top bars) are
provided to resist bending moments induced by earthquake forces. Additional stirrups or links are placed
to enhance shear strength and prevent diagonal cracks. The spacing and diameter of the reinforcement
bars are determined based on the design requirements outlined in IS 13920:2016 – “Ductile detailing of
reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic forces.”

Columns: Column reinforcement detailing focuses on providing adequate strength and ductility to resist
both axial and lateral loads during earthquakes. The longitudinal reinforcement bars are placed to resist
bending moments, while lateral ties or spirals are provided to enhance the column’s confinement and
ductility. The detailing requirements for columns can be found in IS 13920.

Beam-Column Joints: Beam-column joints are critical zones where forces from beams and columns
converge. These joints require special reinforcement detailing to ensure their strength and integrity
during seismic events. Adequate lap splicing of reinforcement bars, the provision of additional vertical
and horizontal bars, and adequate anchorage lengths are some of the key requirements outlined in IS
13920.
Openings: Openings in reinforced concrete structures, such as doors and windows, need careful
reinforcement detailing to maintain the structural integrity. Special considerations are given to ensure
that the openings do not compromise the strength and performance of the surrounding elements. The
reinforcement detailing for openings follows the guidelines of IS 13920.

IS 1893 is the Indian Standard Code of Practice for the design of structures for earthquake resistance. It
provides guidelines and procedures for seismic design, including the selection of design parameters,
earthquake load calculations, and detailing requirements for various structural elements. It covers
aspects such as material properties, analysis methods, design philosophies, and safety criteria.

IS 13920:2016 – “Ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures subjected to seismic forces”

specifically focuses on the detailing requirements for reinforced concrete structures in seismic regions. It
provides guidelines for achieving ductility, which is the ability of the structure to undergo large
deformations without significant loss of strength or collapse during an earthquake.

Both these codes, IS 1893 and IS 13920, serve as important references for engineers and designers
involved in the seismic design of reinforced concrete structures in India, providing comprehensive
guidance on earthquake-resistant design and reinforcement detailing.

______________________________

Vulnerability Assessment and Retrofitting:

Seismic vulnerability assessment is a crucial step in identifying the weaknesses and potential failure
modes of both reinforced concrete (RC) and masonry buildings. This assessment helps in understanding
the level of risk and determining the appropriate retrofitting measures. The process typically involves the
following steps:

1. Structural Assessment: Structural engineers evaluate the existing building to assess its structural
capacity, including the analysis of load-bearing elements, connections, and overall stability. This
assessment helps identify deficiencies and vulnerabilities in the building’s structural system.

2. Material Evaluation: The evaluation of the quality and strength of the building materials, such as
concrete, steel reinforcement, and masonry units, is essential to determine their condition and
performance during seismic events.
 3. Non-Destructive Testing: Non-destructive testing techniques, like ultrasonic testing, ground-
penetrating radar, or infrared thermography, may be employed to assess the internal conditions
of structural elements without causing damage.

4. Seismic Hazard Analysis: Engineers evaluate the seismic hazard levels of the region to determine
the design earthquake forces that the building needs to withstand. This information helps in
selecting appropriate retrofitting measures.

5. Vulnerability Analysis: Vulnerability analysis involves assessing the building’s susceptibility to

various types of damage, such as collapse, excessive deformation, or loss of strength. It
considers factors such as structural configuration, quality of construction, and geotechnical
conditions.

Once the vulnerability assessment is complete, appropriate retrofitting measures can be implemented to
enhance the seismic performance of the buildings.

Retrofitting of RC and Masonry Buildings:

1. RC Buildings: Retrofitting measures for RC buildings may include:

a. Addition of Steel Bracings: Steel braces are added to increase the lateral strength and
stiffness of the building, reducing its vulnerability to lateral forces.

b. Shear Wall Installation: Reinforced concrete or steel shear walls can be added to improve
the building’s resistance to lateral loads.

c. Column Jacketing: Weakened or inadequate columns can be strengthened by adding

reinforced concrete jackets around them.
 d. Fiber Reinforced Polymers (FRP): FRP composites can be used to reinforce structural
elements, such as beams, columns, and slabs, to enhance their strength and ductility.

2. Masonry Buildings: Retrofitting measures for masonry buildings may include:

a. Addition of Reinforcement: Vertical and horizontal reinforcement, such as steel bars, can
be added to strengthen masonry walls and improve their resistance to out-of-plane
forces.

b. Composite Action: Strengthening techniques that enhance the interaction between

masonry walls and reinforced concrete elements, such as the addition of reinforced
concrete bands or tie beams, can be employed.

c. Retrofitting Mortar: The use of high-strength mortar or grout in the joints of masonry
walls can enhance their overall strength and improve their seismic performance.

d. Shotcrete or Gunite: The application of shotcrete or gunite, a sprayed concrete layer, on

the surface of masonry walls can provide additional strength and confinement.

During earthquakes, non-structural elements in buildings are susceptible to damage due to the dynamic
forces generated by the ground shaking. These non-structural elements include architectural
components, mechanical systems, and electrical components. Here are some common failure
mechanisms and preventive measures for each category:

Architectural Components:

1. Partitions and Ceilings: Failure mechanisms include detachment from walls or ceilings, cracking,
or collapse. Prevention measures include using flexible connections, reinforcing connections, and
installing lightweight materials that can absorb vibrations.
 2. Cladding and Facades: Failure mechanisms include dislodgement, cracking, or collapse.
Prevention measures include using adequate fastening systems, flexible connections, and
incorporating redundancy in the cladding system.

3. Windows and Glass Panels: Failure mechanisms include shattering, cracking, or detachment from
frames. Prevention measures include using shatter-resistant glass, installing proper framing
systems, and implementing window anchorage systems.

Mechanical Systems:

1. HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning): Failure mechanisms include equipment
displacement, damage to ductwork or piping, and leakage of refrigerant or fluids. Prevention
measures include using flexible connections, securing equipment and piping, and incorporating
seismic restraint systems.

2. Plumbing Systems: Failure mechanisms include pipe rupture, joint separation, or leaks.
Prevention measures include using flexible piping connections, installing seismic bracing for
pipes, and securing fixtures and equipment.

3. Fire Protection Systems: Failure mechanisms include damage to sprinkler systems, pipe rupture,
or disconnection. Prevention measures include installing seismic restraints, flexible connections,
and ensuring proper anchorage of sprinkler heads and piping.

Electrical Components:

1. Wiring and Conduits: Failure mechanisms include loose connections, damaged conduits, or
dislodged fixtures. Prevention measures include proper anchorage of conduits, using flexible
connections, and implementing strain relief devices.

2. Electrical Panels and Equipment: Failure mechanisms include detachment from mounting,
damage to circuit breakers, or electrical shorts. Prevention measures include using seismic
bracing for panels and equipment, ensuring proper mounting and anchorage, and employing
shock absorbers or isolators.
 3. Emergency Power Systems: Failure mechanisms include fuel leakage, equipment displacement,
or electrical system failures. Prevention measures include securing fuel storage, using seismic
restraints for equipment, and implementing backup power systems with proper isolation.

To prevent non-structural damage, it is important to consider the following general measures:

- Implementing seismic design codes and standards that address non-structural elements.

- Conducting regular inspections and maintenance of non-structural components to identify and address
vulnerabilities.

- Ensuring proper installation and anchorage of non-structural elements during construction or

retrofitting.

- Using flexible connections, vibration isolators, and dampers to absorb and dissipate seismic energy.

- Educating building occupants about proper storage and securing of objects that could become
hazardous during an earthquake.

Engaging qualified professionals, such as structural engineers and architects, is crucial to assess the
vulnerability of non-structural elements and develop appropriate mitigation strategies based on the
specific building and its contents.