2/22/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

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How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS

Posted on August 17, 2017December 12, 2017 by Engr Dennis Mercado

For this post, let us assume first the following to be true:

1. We know the reason why we are checking drift (excluding the fact that it is required by all
relevant codes)
2. We have basic background regarding Pdelta moments
3. We know how to compute static base shear based on the code and understand at least the basics
on the dynamic forces our building is subjected into
4. We know what’s seismic mass

Checked all of the above? Cool.

Now let’s say the model is complete: we have applied all related gravity loads, defined seismic
parameters well, and we’re now able to set up all relevant load combinations
(h ps://dennismercadosstructuralengineersblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/load-combinations-for-
seismic-drift-check/).

Before we proceed, we need to apply first the correct property modifiers as per code. A quick
explanation of this is that before being subjected to seismic forces, under gravity loads, the beams,
columns and walls will experience cracking. And cracking will reduce the moments of inertia of the
members.

So which property modifiers are we going to apply in the model?

Based on ACI 8.8.2 we need to consider either/or of the following: section properties defined in
section 10.10.4.1(a) through (c) or half of stiffness values based on gross section properties,

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Screen grab from ACI318M-11

The code permits to use either one of 8.8.2 (a) or 8.8.2 (b). If you’re to ask me, it never hurts to check
both conditions considering that at least you have prior knowledge to the behavior of the 2 different
models with different reduced stiffnesses which is very valuable when making a decision when
evaluating the current structural system’s performance during seismic activity. By experience
however, the resulting drift from either is never far from the other but it is worth checking and noting
the difference.

So both models ready now?

Let’s use UBC97 which is still applicable to a lot of projects even in the middle east.

The elastic deformation that UBC 1630.9.1 refers to as “Delta s” is the elastic horizontal displacement
caused by the seismic shear and when checking drift, this should include the effects of gravity loads.
By the way, use the ultimate load combinations when determining drift.

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Screen grab from UBC97

But of course we need to convert this elastic horizontal displacement to the maximum inelastic
response displacement defined as Delta m before we compare it with the allowable values of either
0.025 or 0.02 times the story height depending on the fundamental period.

And since we’re talking about drift, note that drift is a unitless quantity taken from dividing the
relative displacement of a certain story with the story below to the storey height.

Still with me? Great.

The good news is, ETABS will compute these displacements for us including the drift which we can
just extract from the tables. The computed drifts will include both drifts in the orthogonal axes X and
Y. You just need to go the tables and find the Story Drift data and open it with Excel.

We just need to add a few items to the extracted table to arrive at the correct values in order to
interpret the results correctly. Don’t worry though, I will try my best to discuss the table below:

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Screen grabbed based on the outputs of an actual project of mine.

1. Columns A-H are what you will get from ETABS.

2. Column A is the story level where the drift occurs.
3. Column B is the load combination. Be sure to choose the correct load combinations.
4. Drifts will be resolved in the 2 principal directions in ETABS which are the global X and Y in
column C.
5. Column D is the resulting drift which is the Delta s defined above.
6. Columns E to H are the point label and the point coordinates where we can locate the
aforementioned drifts.
7. Column I is optional. Column I is just the same as Column D.
8. Column J is the maximum inelastic response displacement or the Delta M which in UBC is
0.7*R*Delta M, R is the “numerical coefficient of the inherent overstrength and global ductility
capacity of lateral-force-resisting systems” and is 5.5 in our case (Building frame system with
concrete shear walls)
9. Column K is the allowable limit of drift. Since our period is less than 0.7 sec, the maximum
allowable is 0.025
10. Column L is also optional. This just compares the results of column J and column K. But this is
helpful in filtering the floors where the drift failed.

Quite easy right? Don’t worry if you are not yet confident of the results. That’s what more senior
engineers are for, which is to make sure that the model makes sense. But since you now know how to
compute the drift yourself, you are on your way to seniorhood so just keep at it.

Also if you want an Excel copy of the table above, you can get it here Drift Computation
(h ps://dennismercadosstructuralengineersblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/drift-computation.xlsx)

Tagged checking drift in ETABS, drift, drift in ETABS, seismic drift

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Published by Engr Dennis Mercado

A structural engineer in the central business district with his mouth mostly shut but has his eyes wide
open. Prefers a quiet asylum. Structural engineer during the weekdays, farmer and baby si er during
the weekend and a heavy metal rocker in between.
View all posts by Engr Dennis Mercado

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