Hashemite University

The Hashemite University

Department of Civil Engineering

Introduction to Earthquake Engineering

Equivalent Lateral Force

According to UBC-
UBC-97

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Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Simplifies Equivalent Lateral Force

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Equivalent Lateral Force 
• Applicable only for:
Regular & Irregular buildings in seismic zone1 
and normal occupancy building in zone 2A , 2B 

 Regular buildings 70m height or less.

 Irregular buildings of 7 stories or 25m in 
height or less.
Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Equivalent Lateral Force 

• Ft = 0.07 Ta VB

• Ft = 0.0 if Ta < 0.7 sec

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Equivalent Lateral Force 

lw : length of shear walls in first floor

Aw : Area of shear wall in first floor

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Example 1

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Example 1

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Example 1

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

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Example 1

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Example 2

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Example 2

6m x 0.4m

6
25m

35m

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

Example 2

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Example 2

floor Wi hi Fx (kN)
1 8750 3 319.7
2 8750 6 639.3
3 8750 9 959
4 8750 12 1278.7
5 8750 15 1598.3
6 8750 18 1918
7 8750 21 2237.7
8 8125 24 2557.3

Dr. Hazim Dwairi The Hashemite University Intro. To EQ Eng.

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