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INSTRUCTOR:  Praveen K. Malhotra, P.E., M.ASCE

Course Length: 90 minutes

Purpose and Background

Prescriptive seismic design of a building is carried out by using judgment-based load reduction R and deflection amplification Cd factors. As a result of these factors, the performance of the building during future earthquakes is not clear either to the engineer or to the owner of the building. In contrast, the performance-based seismic design (PBSD) is carried out by using true strength, deformability and damping of the building to meet specific performance goals of: (1) life safety during rare earthquakes; and (2) business continuity during frequent earthquakes. It is a misconception that the PBSD is more complex than the prescriptive seismic design. Test and analytical knowledge can be used to simplify PBSD. The purpose of this class is to make PBSD accessible to ordinary engineers by demonstrating practical ways of conducting PBSD of buildings.

Real life examples are presented with emphasize on understanding. An intuitive approach is used to describe complex ideas. Questions and discussions are encouraged throughout the class.

Benefits and Learning Outcomes

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

  • Practice state-of-the-art knowledge in seismic performance
  • Quantify seismic performance of buildings
  • Explain the roles of damping and deformability in seismic design
  • Explain sources of damping and deformability in buildings
  • Apply practical ways to conduct PBSD
  • Explain acceptable level of seismic risk

Assessment of Learning Outcomes

Achievement of the learning outcomes will be assessed through a short post-test (true-false, multiple choice and fill in the blank questions).

Who Should Attend?

Structural engineers, geotechnical engineers, architects, regulators, building officials, owners, operators, geologists, seismologists, insurers, educators and students

Outline

Introduction

  • Prescriptive versus performance-based seismic design

Site-specific ground motions

  • Response spectra for various values of damping
  • Acceleration-deformation response spectra (ADRS)

Moment frame building

  • Deformability
  • Strength, including P-delta and strain-hardening
  • Damping
  • Required strength from deformability and damping
  • Deformation and plastic rotation
  • Expected performance

Reinforced concrete special moment frames

  • Detailing requirements
  • Reinforced concrete shear wall building
  • Deformability
  • Strength, including P-delta
  • Damping
  • Required strength from deformability and damping
  • Deformation and plastic rotation
  • Expected performance
  • Effect of foundation flexibility on deformability and damping
  • Detailing requirements

Eccentrically braced frame (EBF) building

  • Concept of EBF
  • Flexural versus shear yielding of link beam
  • Deformability
  • Strength, including P-delta and strain-hardening
  • Damping
  • Required strength from deformability and damping
  • Deformation and plastic rotation
  • Detailing requirements for EBF

How to Earn your CEUs/PDHs

This course is worth .2 CEUs/2 PDHs. 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 365 days of the course.