On-demand Webinar

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This webinar was co-sponsored by ASCE's Structural Engineering Institute (SEI) and ASCE Continuing Education

Instructor:  Kamalpreet S. Kalsi, P.E., S.E

Course Length: 1.5 Hours

Purpose and Background

Non-linear time history analysis (NLTHA) is sometimes required by building code, or by a client's desire to achieve higher performance than the minimum prescribed building code standards. From an engineer's perspective, NLTHA improves prediction of the expected range of structural response by reducing the assumptions in modeling and providing a more realistic demand using a suite of ground motions. Though NLTHA requires more time and knowledge, depending on the building system type and other considerations, NLTHA could result in overall new construction savings or reduce the amount of retrofit for existing structures.

This webinar outlines basic non-linear time history analysis approach, including ground motion selection and scaling, upper/lower bound strength, elastic and post-elastic stiffness, and other relevant design parameters using ASCE 7-10 and ASCE 41-13 documents. This webinar provides participants with foundational knowledge of the NLTHA and its approach and implementation. This webinar does not cover the tall building guidelines.

Primary Discussion Topics

  • Why use NLTHA - when is it advisable to switch from linear to non-linear
  • NLTHA and its application in performance based engineering
  • Ground motion selection and scaling
  • Modeling of non-linear elements and available guidelines for practicing engineers
  • Post processing and interpretation of results

Learning Outcomes

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

  • Determine when NLTHA can result in construction savings
  • Gain the ability to implement NLTHA using national standards
  • Recognize the complexity and time commitment for NLTHA
  • Benefits and risks/uncertainties performing NLTHA
  • Differentiate between individual building components vs. overall structure acceptance criteria

Webinar Benefits

  • Discuss NLTHA and available guidelines
  • Identify modeling parameters for most commonly used building lateral systems
  • Implement Soil-Structure Interaction where needed

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Students' achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed via a short post-assessment (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Intended Audience

  • Structural and civil engineers involved in design of buildings
  • Government/public agency engineers
  • Building owners

Webinar Outline

  • Non-linear time history analysis
    • Background
    • Goal and design basis
    • Basic understanding of structure using a simple (linear) model
    • Available guidelines
    • Hazard: ground motion selection and scaling
  • Modeling using ASCE 7-10, ASCE 41-13 and FEMA guidelines
    • Which elements to model non-linear
    • Lumped plasticity or finite element analysis (FEA)
    • Backbone curves with strength degradation and associated uncertainties
    • Acceptance criteria: overall building vs. Individual components
    • Assumptions
  • Non-linear elements
    • Shear walls
    • Moment frames (concrete/steel)
    • Braced frames
    • Dampers/isolators
    • Soil structure interaction
  • Conclusions
    • Benefits and risks/uncertainties performing NLTHA
    • Performance based design achieve the desired performance
    • Savings in construction but higher analysis cost
  • Questions

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs and Receive Your Certificate of Completion

To receive your certificate of completion, you will need to complete a short on-line post-test and receive a passing score of 70% or higher within 1 year of purchasing the course.

How do I convert CEUs to PDHs?

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