Location via proxy:   [ UP ]  
[Report a bug]   [Manage cookies]                
Scribd
Upload
420 views

1.5.2 The Seismic Coefficient Method: Earthquake Engineering Dept. of Civil Engg, UVCE

This document summarizes the seismic coefficient method for determining seismic loads on structures. The method uses equivalent static lateral loads that are proportional to the total weight of the structure. The proportion is determined by multiplying various factors like zone, importance, and response reduction. The total base shear is calculated as the product of the seismic coefficient and total weight. This base shear is then distributed up the height of the building based on each floor's weight and height. While simple, the method provides conservative results and cannot account for structural irregularities or higher vibration modes. It is best used for checking designs against moderate earthquakes.

Uploaded by

Vaibhav Sengar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
420 views

1.5.2 The Seismic Coefficient Method: Earthquake Engineering Dept. of Civil Engg, UVCE

This document summarizes the seismic coefficient method for determining seismic loads on structures. The method uses equivalent static lateral loads that are proportional to the total weight of the structure. The proportion is determined by multiplying various factors like zone, importance, and response reduction. The total base shear is calculated as the product of the seismic coefficient and total weight. This base shear is then distributed up the height of the building based on each floor's weight and height. While simple, the method provides conservative results and cannot account for structural irregularities or higher vibration modes. It is best used for checking designs against moderate earthquakes.

Uploaded by

Vaibhav Sengar
Copyright
© © All Rights Reserved
Available Formats
Download as PDF, TXT or read online on Scribd
You are on page 1/ 1

CHAPTER 1

INTRODUCTION

1.5.2 The Seismic Coefficient Method


This is the simplest of the available methods and is applicable to structures, which are
simple, symmetric, and regular. In this method, the seismic load is idealized as a system of
equivalent static loads, which is applied to the structure and an elastic analysis is performed
to ensure that the stresses are within allowable limits. The sum of the equivalent static loads
is proportional to the total weight of the structure and the constant of proportionality, known
as the seismic coefficient, is taken as the product of various factors, which influence the
design and are specified in the codes. Typically, the design horizontal seismic coefficient Ah
is given by
Ah =

----- (1.1)

Where, Z = Zone factor


I = Importance factor
R = Response reduction factor
Sa/g = Response acceleration co-efficient
The total horizontal load, also known as the base shear is then taken as,

Vb = Ah x W

----- (1.2)

Where, W is the total weight of the structure (Dead Load)


The base shear calculated above is then distributed along the height of the building using the
formula, Qi = Vbx Wihi2 / Wihi2

----- (1.3)

Where, Qi is the lateral force at the top of floor i,


Wi is the total of dead and appropriate amount of live load at the top of floor i,
hi is the height measured from the base of the building to the top of floor i.
The seismic coefficient method gives conservative results but has the advantage of being
simple and easy to use. It ignores the effect of higher modes and cannot accommodate
irregularities in the structure. It is used for checking against moderate earthquakes since the

Earthquake Engineering

Dept. of Civil Engg, UVCE

Page 11

You might also like