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This course is part of the Structural Earthquake Engineering for Buildings Certificate Program.

INSTRUCTOR: 
Finley A. Charney, Ph.D., P.E., F.ASCE F.SEI

Purpose and Background

This course provides a detailed description of the ASCE 7-16 procedures for seismic load analysis of buildings and other structures. For buildings, the course begins with a brief history of the development of ASCE 7 and then presents a sequence of topics that will lead you through the process of determining the seismic hazard, selecting the seismic-force resisting system, evaluating configuration irregularities., and determining the most appropriate method of analysis. Next, requirements for system modeling and structural analysis are presented by example. The last two weeks of the course concentrate on the seismic load analysis of non-building systems and nonstructural components. Significant changes from ASCE 7-10 to ASCE 7-16 are highlighted throughout the course.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of this course, you will be able to:

  • Discuss the history of the development of the ASCE 7 seismic load provisions.
  • Explain the advantages and disadvantages of different seismic-force resisting systems and select the appropriate system for a structure.
  • Identify how to select the appropriate analysis method, and how to model the system for compliance with ASCE 7 requirements.
  • Evaluate the basic procedures for developing seismic loads for nonstructural components and for nonbuilding systems.
  • Explain the process of determining the appropriate level of ground motions for use in seismic design and analysis.
  • Describe the procedures used for performing Equivalent Lateral Force, Modal Response Spectrum, and Linear Response History Analysis.
  • Identify how the presence of configuration irregularities can penalize a design.

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes by attendees will be assessed through (3) exams.

Who Should Attend?

  • Practicing engineers
  • Building code officials
  • Architects
  • Developers

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth 2.4 CEUs/24 PDHs. To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete (3) exams and receive a passing score of 70% or higher.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

1.0 CEU = 10 PDHs [Example: 0.1 CEU = 1 PDH]

Course Outline

Week 1: Introduction and Seismic Risk
Course Introduction & Week Introduction
History of Seismic Loads Provisions in the U.S.
History of ANSI A58.1 and ASCE 7 Provisions
Overview of ASCE 7-16 Seismic Load Provisions
Learning Exercise
Seismic Risk Category: Basics and Definitions
Seismic Risk Category: Overview of 2015 IBC and ASCE 7 Provisions associated with Risk
Seismic Risk Category: Examples
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 2: Influence of Soil Stiffness on Ground Motions
Week Introduction
Quantification of Ground Motion (Ss and S1)
Influence of soft soil on site response: 1985 Mexico City EQ
Influence of soft soil on site response: 1989 Loma Prieta EQ
Learning Exercise
Defining Site Classes A, B, C, D, E, F
Determining Site Class Coefficients
Influence of Site Class on Spectral Shape
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 3: Structural Systems and Combinations of Systems
Week Introduction
Overview of System Selection
Purpose of Parameters R, Cd, and Omega
Bearing Wall Systems
Learning Exercise
Building Frame Systems and Moment Resisting Frame Systems
Dual Systems and Other Systems
Combinations of Systems, Increased Height Limits, and Alternate Systems
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 4: Horizontal and Vertical Structural Irregularities
Week Introduction
Impact of Irregularities on Structural Response
Overviews of Tables 12.3-1 and 12.3-2
Horizontal Irregularities Part 1
Horizontal Irregularities Part 2
Learning Exercise
Vertical Irregularities Part 1
Vertical Irregularities Part 2
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Week 1-4

Week 5: Diaphragm Flexibility, Accidental Torsion, and Analysis Requirements
Week Introduction
Importance of Diaphragm Flexibility in Seismic Analysis
Determination of Diaphragm Flexibility
Learning Exercise
Importance of Accidental Torsion Seismic Analysis and Design
Requirements and Methodologies for Including Accidental Torsion in Analysis
Determination of Required Method of Analysis
Brief Description of Analysis Methods
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 6: Load Combinations, Redundancy & Overstrength, Effective Seismic Weight
Week Introduction
Load Combinations
Purpose of the redundancy factor
Computing the redundancy factor
Learning Exercise
Concept of overstrength and examples where overstrength > 1.0
Orthogonal Load Effects
Computing Seismic Mass
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 7: Modeling Requirements, Period of Vibration, and Drift
Week Introduction
Modeling Requirements
Computing Period of Vibration (Empirical)
Computing Period of Vibration (Computer)
Learning Exercise
Story Drift Determination
P-Delta Effects
Drift Limits
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 8: Ground Motion Parameters, Seismic Design Category, and Response Spectra
Week Introduction
Basic procedures for determining ground motion parameters and SDC
Use of the Interactive Web Site (USGS or ASCE)
Determining ground parameters and SDC for a site in California
Learning Exercise
Determining ground parameters and SDC for a site in Tennessee
Development and Use of Horizontal Acceleration Response Spectrum
Development and Use of Vertical Acceleration Response Spectra
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Week 5-9

Week 9: Equivalent Lateral Force and Modal Response Spectrum Analysis
Week Introduction
Selection of Method of Analysis
Motivation and Theoretical Basis for ELF and use of ELF in ASCE 7
Learning Exercise
Description of Example Structure
ELF Analysis and Results I
Learning Exercise
ELF Analysis Results II
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 10: Modal Response Spectrum Analysis and Linear Response History Analysis
Week Introduction
Motivation and Theoretical Basis for MRS
Use of MRS in ASCE 7
MRS Analysis and Results
Learning Exercise
Motivation and Theoretical Basis for LRH
Use of LRH in ASCE 7
LRH Analysis and Results
Learning Exercise
Comparison of ELF, MRS, and LTH Results
Conclusion

Week 11: Analysis Comparisons and Diaphragm Forces
Week Introduction
Overview of Nonlinear Response History Analysis
Overview of Diaphragm Force Calculation
Diaphragm Force Example
Learning Exercise
Overview of Diaphragm Force Calculation (Alt method)
Diaphragm Force Calculation (Alt Method)
Comparison of Diaphragm Force Calculations
Learning Exercise
Conclusion

Week 12: Nonstructural Components and Nonbuilding Structures
Week Introduction
Types of Nonstructural Components
Code Requirements for Nonstructural Components
Example Calculation for Nonstructural Components
Types of Nonbuilding Structures
Learning Exercise
Code Requirements for Nonbuilding Structures
Example Calculation for Nonbuilding Structures
Week 12 Summary
Learning Exercise
Conclusion
Exam: Week 9-12