Variability and limitations of seismic analysis and modelling techniques

Abstract

Building codes and design standards permit the use of a variety of analysis methods and structural engineers use a number of accepted modelling techniques for seismic analysis and design of structures. Some of these methods include the Equivalent Lateral Force (ELF) method, the Nonlinear Static (NS) method, and Nonlinear Response History (NRH) method. The simpler methods such as ELF are permitted subject to many restrictions while the rigorous methods such the NRH method are permitted for most structures. An important limitation of the ELF method, even when permitted, is that it does not provide a mechanism to track plastic hinge locations and failure mechanisms. The computationally expensive NRH Analysis is sensitive to the suite of ground motions used in the analysis. This paper examines the three modelling methods and discusses the variability of the analyses produced by these methods and the limitations of their applicability. © 2007 Civil-Comp Press.

Keywords: Analysis; Dynamic; Earthquakes; Nonlinearity; Scaling; Static; Steel