33

Thailand
Panitan Lukkunaprasit

33.1 Introduction
33.2 System of Equivalent Static Lateral Forces
33.3 Base Shear
33.4 Seismic Zones
33.5 Structural Factor K
33.6 Fundamental Period of Vibration
33.7 Dynamic Factor C
33.8 Site-Structure Resonance Coefficient S
33.9 Building Importance Factor I
33.10 Story Shears and Overturning Moments
33.11 Computer Program
References
33.1 INTRODUCTION

The Thai people were not concerned about earthquakes until the recent occurrence of several moderate
earthquakes. On April 22, 1983, an earthquake of
magnitude 5.9 on the Richter scale occurred near a
dam site, about 200 kilometers from Bangkok, the
capital of Thailand. The main tremor of this earthquake was felt all over the western part and most of
the central part of the country. Five years later
(November 6, 1988), an earthquake of magnitude 7.3
hit the southern part of China near the Burmese
border. This earthquake was felt in Bangkok even
though the epicenter was at a distance of more than
1,000 kilometers; this is a consequence of Bangkok's
deep, soft-alluvial soil which tends to amplify the
motion of incoming seismic waves. On September 29
and October 1 of the following year, several moderate
earthquakes (5.3-5.4 on the Richter scale) hit the
northern part of Thailand along the Burmese border.
454
M. Paz (ed.), International Handbook Of Earthquake Engineering
Chapman & Hall, Inc. 1994

In the city of Chiang Mai, about 180 kilometers from

the epicenter, the intensity of ground shaking was
rated as VI on the Modified Mercalli Intensity (MMI)
scale.
Public concern for the safety of buildings has
increased since 1983 because most structures in Thailand have not been designed to resist seismic effects
even though wind load resistance is required by the
building code. A subcommittee of the committee
responsible for the building regulations of Thailand
subsequently was organized to draft the first seismicresistant building design code for Thailand. The first
draft was presented in a workshop organized by the
National Earthquake Committee of Thailand and the
Southeast Asia Association of Seismology and Earthquake Engineering (Chandrangsu 1986). This first
draft was resisted by some engineers and developers in
the construction industry who feared that implementation of the code might produce significant extra
building costs. Academicians also questioned the
appropriateness of the numerical values of some
parameters used in the draft code because there was a
paucity of data and relevant research work concerning
the seismicity of the country.
A new seismic-resistant design code has been
drafted. This new code is based on evidence derived
from the earthquake events of the past few decades
and on recent research work (Bergado, Kim, and
Yamada 1986; Lukkunaprasit, Thusneeyanont, and
Kanjanakaroon 1986; Lukkunaprasit 1989, 1990). This
new code recognizes the relatively low seismicity of
most of the country (virtually no structural damage
was caused by past earthquakes) and considers socioeconomic factors. The subcommittee decided to make

Thailand

the code simple and easy to use, as many engineers

are not familiar with the seismic-resistant design of
buildings. 1

F;

The proposed new seismic code for building design in

Thailand allows the designer to substitute for the
dynamic system an equivalent static force system in
which lateral forces are applied at discrete points of
the structure that correspond to the floor levels. Fig.
33.1 shows such an equivalent lateral force system.
For short-period buildings (with fundamental period
of natural vibration not greater than 0.7 second), the
draft code assumes a linearly varying fundamental
mode shape. It follows from the theory of dynamics of
structures (e.g., Chopra 1980) that
Fx

(33.1)

where Fx is the equivalent force at level x, V is the

total base shear force, Wi and hi are, respectively, the
effective dead weight and height of level i, and N is
the total number of stories of the building. The
subscript x in eq.(33.1) denotes the level under
consideration. For more flexible buildings, the fundamental mode still is the predominant contributor to
the base shear. However, the higher modes increasingly contribute to the motion of the building as the
fundamental period increases. The code requires that
an additional force Ft be applied at the top of
relatively flexible buildings to account for the effect of
higher modes of motion for which the fundamental
period is greater than 0.7 second. This additional force
is taken as
Ft

= O.07TV

(33.2)

in which T (in seconds) is the fundamental period of

the structure in the direction under consideration. The
value of F t is limited by the code as not greater than
0.2SV. The remaining force (V - Ft ) is distributed
proportionately throughout the height of the building
at each floor as follows:
F

VWxh x

2: Wihi

(V - Ft)Wxhx
N

2: W;h;
;=1

where all the terms are as previously defined.

DO
DO

FL-

33.2 SYSTEM OF EQUIVALENT STATIC

LATERAL FORCES

(33.3)

455

DO
DO

Ii
Fig. 33.1.

Equivalent lateral seismic forces

33.3 BASE SHEAR

In lieu of analyses based on accepted theoretical

procedures, the base shear force may be determined
from the simplified formula
V= ZKCSIW

(33.4)

where
Z = seismic zone factor
K = structural factor
C = dynamic factor
S = site-structure resonance coefficient
I = building importance factor
W = total dead load of the building.

1 At the time of publication of this Handbook, the draft code still had not passed through certain legislative review procedures required
before regulations are promulgated. In all probability, the essence of the draft code will remain the same although slight changes may be made
during review.

456

Thailand

... ,

~VIETNAM

.\./

L A 0 S

BUR M A

"
,
f

.-/-;
,.

,
(

----.,

f. ~

"

';.
I
' \

"

..

'''''\

-.

..

'-.

"-: ..

I ,.

-- ,

",

"

,
,,

,. J

V' I~

o " . . . . ow._.,

,,\.-.

,,

,""---~
f.,

"V ~'

,' ....,'-.

"

':

'\

'"

....... , .. "" ..

CAMBODIA
,....... ,.-,. ....... ......i

- .. "
)
)

,.

'.
~

\-.,. ~

.,"

,-,

ANDAMAN SEA

Fig. 33.2.

Seismic zone map of Thailand

These parameters are described in the sections that

follow.
33.4 SEISMIC ZONES

Fig. 33.2 shows the seismic zone map of the Kingdom

of Thailand (Chandrangsu 1986; Yensuang 1990). In

the draft code, the provinces that are prone to seismic

hazards are grouped into two zones, depending on the
seismicity of the location. Table 33.1lists the nainesof
the provinces in each zone. The value of the s~ismic
zone factor is set equal to 0.15 for Zone 1 and 0.2Sfor
Zone 2. Buildings in Zone 0 need not be specifically
designed for seismiC motion.

Thailand
Table 33.1.

but the code specifies a value of 0.12 set as the upper

limit for C.

List of Provinces in Seismic Zones 1 and 2

Zone

Provinces

Bangkok, Krabi, Kalasin, Kamphaeng Phet, Khon Kaen,

Chachoengsao, ChaiNat, Chumphon, Nakhon-Pathom,
Nakhon Phanom, Nakhon Sawan, Nonthaburi, Nan, Pathum
Thani, Prachuap Kiri Khan, Ayutthaya, Phangnga, Phichit,
Phitsanulok, Phetchaburi, Phrae,Phuket, Mahasarakham,
Mukdahan, Yasothon, Roi Et, Ranong, Ratchaburi, Lop
Buri, Lampang, Loei, Srisaket, Sakon Nakhon, Samut
Prakan, Samut Songkhram, Samut Sakhon, Sing Buri,
Sukhothai, Suphan Buri, Surat Thani, Nongkhai, Ang
Thong, Udon Thani, Uttaradit, Uthai Thani, and Ubon
Ratchathani
Kanchanaburi, Chiang Rai, Chiang Mai, Tak, Phayao, Mae
Hong Son, and Lamphun

457

33.8 SITESTRUCTURE RESONANCE

COEFFICIENT S

The site-structure resonance coefficient S is intended

to account for the amplifying effect of soft foundation
soil on ground motion and thus on the response of the
structure. For simplicity, the draft code stipulates that
the coefficient S be assigned a value equal to 1.5 when
the underlying soil is soft. For stiffer soil types, S is to
be taken as 1.0. However, the product CS in eq.(33.4)
should not exceed 0.14.
33.9 BUILDING IMPORTANCE FACTOR I

33.5 STRUCTURAL FACTOR K

The draft code recognizes the ductility inherent in

steel building frames (provided good workmanship is
exercised in fabrication and construction). Accordingly, a K value of 0.67 is assigned to steel buildings and
a K of 1.0 is assigned to all other structures.
33.6 FUNDAMENTAL PERIOD OF VIBRATION

In the draft code, an approximate empirical formula

has been adopted for computation of the fundamental
natural period of vibration T of the structure as
follows:
O.09hN
T=-_-

Vl5

(33.5)

in which hN is the height of the structure above the

base and D is the dimension of the structure in the
plane of vibration under consideration. Both hN and D
are measured in meters.
For cases in which a steel frame provides the sole
lateral force resisting system for the building, the
value of T may be determined from the following
formula:
T

= O.IN

The severity of loss and consequence of damage

caused by an earthquake differs among buildings
depending on building function. For instance, buildings such as hospitals and fire stations sh()uld survive
even under a strong earthquake of relatively low
probability of occurrence because their functions are
vital for public health and safety. From an engineering
perspective, these essential buildings must be designed
for higher seismic resistance. Table 33.2 lists the
importance factors to be assigned to buildings of
different categories.
33.10 STORY SHEARS AND OVERTURNING
MOMENTS

Once the equivalent seismic lateral forces are determined, it is a matter of simple statics to obtain the
story shear force Vx and overturning moment Mx at
the base of the columns supporting floor level x.
Considering that portion of the structure from above
level x - 1 up to level N as a free body yields the
following relations for shear force and overturning
moment:
N

Vx

= Ft +

2: Fi

(33.6)

(33.9)

in which N is the total number of stories of the

building.

Table 33.2.

Values for Building Importance Factor I

Type of Building

33.7 DYNAMIC FACTOR C

The dynamic factor C may be computed in accordance

with eq.(33.7):
1
c=--

I5v'T

(33.8)

i=x

(33.7)

1. Buildings essential to the public subsistence, e.g., schools, 1.5

hospitals, fire stations, disaster mitigation centers, railway
stations, airports.
2. Any building that can assemble more than 300 persons (in 1.25
one room) at one time, or buildings of more than five
stories.
3. All other buildings
1.0

458

Thailand

where

Table 33.3.

Lumped Weight on Each Floor, per Frame

Weight (kg)

Level

Slabs

Beams

Columns

Walls

Total Weight
Wi
(kg)

4
3
2
1

17,280
17,280
17,280
17,280

4,030
4,030
4,030
4,030

580
1,150
1,840
3,360

3,830
9,050
9,050
12,530

25,720
31,510
32,200
37,200

1~x~N-1

and
(33.10)

where Ft is the higher mode force at the top of the

building [eq.(33.2)] and Fi is the force at floor level i.

33.11 COMPUTER PROGRAM:

A computer program that incorporates the provisions

of the draft code for earthquake-resistant design of
buildings in Thailand is presented in this chapter.
Equivalent lateral forces, story shears, and overturning moments can be calculated and the results printed
for each level of a building.
It is worth mentioning that the draft code makes no
mention of torsion induced by seismic action. However, the equivalent story seismic forces computed by
this program would be used as loads in a structural
analysis that treated the building as a threedimensional structure. The line of action of the seismic
force at each floor should pass through the center of
mass of that floor. In this manner, the torsional effects
can be taken into account automatically.

The weight of the beams (less the 100 mm portions

that extend into the slabs) is
0.2 m X 0.3 m x 2,400 kg/m3 x (12 m + 16 m)
= 4,030 kg per frame

The column unit weight is

0.25 m x 0.35 m x 2,400 kg/m 3 = 210 kg/m

in the first two stories, and

0.20 m x 0.20 m x 2,400 kg/m3

= 96 kg/m

in the upper stories. Table 33.3 lists the weight of each

level per frame.

(2) Fundamental period

Example 33.1
Fig. 33.3 shows a four-story reinforced concrete
framed building that is typical of commercial/
residential buildings (commonly called "shop houses")
in Thailand. The beams are 200 mm wide by 400 mm
deep. Column sections are 250 mm by 350 mm in the
first two (lower) stories and 200 mm by 200 mm
elsewhere. The dead load per unit area of floor slabs
(100 mm thick) including screening and plastering is
360 kglm 2 . The weight of the walls, considered lumped
on each floor level, is 12,530 kg for the first floor,
9,050 kg for the second and third floors, and 3,830 kg
for the roof. The building is located in Zone 1 and the
site soil is classified as soft.
Determine the seismic forces for this structure in
accordance with the draft seismic code of Thailand.

= 0.09h NtVD

[eq.(33.5)]

hN = 14m
D

= 12m

Thus,
T

= 0.09 x 14/VU = 0.36 sec

(3) Base shear

V= ZKCSIW

[eq.(33.4)]

Z = 0.15 (for site in Zone 1)

S = 1.5 (for soft soil foundation)
K = 1.0
1= 1.0

Solution

C=--~0.12

15vT

(1) Effective weight at various floors. The dead

weight of each floor for a frame width of 12 m is
360 kg/m2 x 4 m x 12 m = 17,280 kg per frame

= 126,630

=
CS

15VO.36

= 0.110

= 0.110 x 1.5 = 0.165> 0.14; use CS = 0.14.

Thailand

r--

-I

1
-f-,
C!i

-+~I
~I

~I

r--

I'
(a)

4.0

TYP.

PLAN

(b) ELEVATION
Fig. 33.3.

Plan and elevation for the four-story building of Example 33.1

.1

-f-

459

Thailand

460

Table 33.4.

Wx
(kg)

hx
(m)

25,720
31,510
32,200
37,200

14
11
8
5
0

Level

SELECT NUMBER
DRIVE USED FOR DATA FILES (A:,B:,or C:)
FILE NAME ( OMIT DRIVE LETTER)

Lateral Equivalent Force

Wxh x
(kg-m)

Fx
(kg)

Vx
(kg)

832
801
596
430

832
1,634
2,230
2,660

Mx
(kg-m)

? C:
?

EXAMFILE

=============

4
3
2
1
Base

360,080
346,610
257,600
186,000
~

INPUT DATA

=============

2,496
7,398
14,088
27,388

BANGKOK
SITE LOCATION PROVINCE IS
.15
SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR
IMPORTANCE FACTOR
K-FACTOR
SITE-STRUCTURE RESONANCE COEFFICIENT
1.5
TOTAL WEIGHT (KGS)
" 126630
TOTAL HEIGHT (M)
14
WIDTH OF FRAME (M)
12
STORY WEIGHT
STORY NO.
STORY HEIGHT
( KGS )
( METERS )

= 1,150,290

Thus,

v=

0.15 X 1 X 0.14 X 1 X 126,630

= 2,660 kg

1
2
3
4

(4) Lateral seismic forces

Fx

(V-Ft)Wxh

= -'--N:-:--'---x
LW;hi

[eq.(33.3)]

==============================================
FINAL RESULTS

;=1

Ft=O for

T=0.36<0.7sec

Example 33.2
Solve Example 33.1 using the computer program
developed for this chapter.
*******************************************************************

*
*

*** EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN ***

IN ACCORDANCE WITH SEISMIC DRAFT CODE OF THAILAND
PAN I TAN LUKKUNAPRASIT AND STAFF
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING AND VIBRATION LABORATORY
CHULALONGKORN UNIVERSITY
MARCH 1992

*
*

*
*

..

*******************************************************************

**DATA FILE INFORMATION

1. PREPARE NEW DATA FILE
2. MODIFY EXISTING DATA FILE
3. USE EXISTING DATA FILE

EQUIVALENT LATERAL FORCES

: SHEAR FORCES
: OVERTURN I NG MOMENTS

STORY NO.

LAT. FORCE
( KG )

SHEAR
( KG )

MOMENT
( KG-M )

4
3
2

832
801

832
1634
2229
2659

2497
7398
14086
27382

The calculation results are given in Table 33.4.

(5) Shear force and overturning moment at level x.
The story shear force Vx and overturning moment Mx
can be calculated from eqs.(33.8)-(33.10). The results
are also shown in Table 33.4.

37200
32200
31510
25720

5.00
3.00
3.00
3.00

596

430

REFERENCES
BERGADO, D. T.; KIM, S. H.; and YAMADA, Y. (1986)
"Dynamic Analysis of Ground Motion during Earthquake in Bangkok Area." pp. 105-136. Proceedings of 1st
Workshop on Earthquake Engineering and Hazard
Mitigation, Bangkok, Thailand.
CHANDRANGSU, S. (1986) "Earthquake Resistant Building
Code for Thailand" (in Thai). pp. 25-40. Proceedings of
1st Workshop on Earthquake Engineering and Ha2ard
Mitigation, Bangkok, Thailand.
CHOPRA, A. (1980) Dynamics of Structures: A Primer.
Earthquake Engineering Research Institute, Berkeley,
CA.
LUKKUNAPRASIT, P. (1989) "Response Spectrum for Earthquake Resistant Design of Buildings in Bangkok" (in
Thai). Paper Presented at the Annual Technical Conference of the Engineering Institute of Thailand, Thailand.
- - - (1990) "Considerations for the Seismic Resistant
Design of Buildings" (in Thai). pp. 125-150. Proceedings
of the Annual Technical Conference of the Engineering
Institute of Thailand, Supplementary Volume, Thailand.

Thailand

P.; THUSNEEYANONT, S.; and KANW. (1986) "Assessment of Seismic

Ground Motion and Response of a Building Frame in
Bangkok and its Vicinity." pp. 245-255. Proceedings of
1st Workshop on Earthquake Engineering and Hazard
Mitigation, Bangkok, Thailand.

LUKKUNAPRASIT,
JANAKAROON,

461

S. (1990) "Earthquakes" (in Thai). pp. 84-89.

Proceedings of the Annual Technical Conference of the
Geography Association of Thailand, Thailand.

YENSUANG,