Seismic Design of RC Structures

Fundamental Concepts

Md. Abdul Malek Sikder

Superintending Engineer
PWD Design Circle-I

Md. Rafiqul Islam

Executive Engineer
PWD Design Division-III
Most Earthquake Codes require that
structures be able to resist:

Minor earthquakes without any damage

Moderate earthquakes with negligible

structural damage and some nonstructural
damage.

Major earthquakes with some structural and

non structural damage but without collapse.
Building behavior
during Earthquakes
Schematic representation of
seismic forces
Strong Column-Weak Beam Concept

For a frame undergoing lateral displacement, the flexural

capacity of the members at a joint should be such that the
columns are stronger than the beams.

Hinges will form in the beams rather than the columns,

minimizing the portion of the structure affected by
non linear behavior.

Maintains the overall vertical load capacity, preventing collapse.

Seismic Design Methods:

1. Equivalent static lateral loads method

2. Response spectrum analysis

3. Time history analysis of the

dynamic response of the structure
Equivalent static lateral loads method
Using Newtons second law of motion, the total lateral seismic
force, also called, base shear is determined by the relation :
V = Ma

= a

=W
Cs = Seismic coefficient
= WCs

a = the maximum acceleration of the

building
g = acceleration due to gravity
W = Weight of building
The seismic coefficient is modified by factors
which take into account:

1. Dynamic properties of the structure i.e. natural period of

vibration, modal shapes and damping.
2. Type of construction, with particular reference to ductility.
3. Importance of the structure.
4. Seismicity of the region.
5. Subsoil conditions.
6. Allowable stresses & load factors.
The design Base
Shear, V is calculated
for a given direction
according to the
equation : Z = Seismic Zone factor
I = Importance factor
R = Response modification coefficient
C = Coefficient based on site
V= W coefficient, S
and period of structure, T
W = Total seismic dead load
C= T = Fundamental period of structure
hn= Height of structure in ft.
T = Ct (hn)3/4 Ct = 0.03 for RC moment resisting frame,
0.02 for all other RC buildings

S = Site coefficient for soil characteristics

Thank You