36 S T E E L D E S I G N E R S ’ H A N D B O O K

where
C = earthquake design coefficient and is a function of acceleration
and the structural period of vibration (T )
= 1.25aT – 0.667
a = acceleration coefficient as noted above
T = the structure period (in seconds), which may be evaluated by a
simple method or rigorous structural analysis
S = site factor as noted above
I = importance factor of the structure and is dependent on structure
classification. It can be 1.25 (for critically important structures)
and 1.0 (generally all others)
Rf = structural response factor and considers the structure’s energy-
absorbing capabilities and can range between 4 to 8 for structural
steel
Gg = the gravity load on the structure, which includes the permanent
loads plus a portion of the imposed loads that can be reasonably
expected during an earthquake event
After the evaluation of V, the individual floor loads are distributed up the structure with
respect to height and vertical mass distribution. In lieu of static analysis, a dynamic
analysis is undertaken for irregular steel buildings in Earthquake Design Categories D
and E. Additional considerations for structures subject to earthquakes include torsional
effects at each storey, overturning stability effects and drift (overall) deflections.
Further useful references, which detail the background and use of AS 1170.4 and the
seismic provisions of AS 4100, include the Commentaries to both Standards, Woodside
[1994], Hutchinson et al. [1994] and McBean [1997].

3.6 Other actions

As specified in AS/NZS 1170.0, various other actions must be considered in the design
of buildings and other structures. Where relevant, such actions include:
• snow and ice loads (as noted in AS/NZS 1170.3)
• retaining wall/earth pressures
• liquid pressures
• ground water effects
• rainwater ponding on roofs
• dynamic actions of installed machinery, plant, equipment and crane loads
• vehicle and vehicle impact loads
• temperature effects (changes and gradients)
• construction loads
• silo and containment vessel loads
• differential settlement of foundations
• volumetric changes (e.g. shrinkage, creep)