Earthquake Engineering

Module 3: CRITERIA SELECTION

In this module the students will be

Objectives:

1. Understand the preliminary aspects of the Earthquake Engineering.

2. Be able to determine the basis for the seismic design by adopting the latest edition of the National
Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP), Volume I.
Outline:

1. Criteria Selection
2. Earthquake Load Analysis- NSCP 2015
3. Earthquake Load Combination
4. Horizontal and Vertical Irregularities

Content:

EARTHQUAKE LOAD ANALYSIS—NSCP 2010

EARTHQUAKE FORCES

Dead, live and wind loads shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of for gravity loads of the
NSCPSection 204 and 205.Section 208.5.1.1 states that seismic dead load W, also known, as earthquake load
is the total dead load and applicable portions of other loads listed below.

1. In storage and warehouse occupancies, a minimum of 25 percent of the floor live load shall be
applicable.
2. Where an allowance for partition load is included in the floor design, the applicable portion of the
load shall be not less than 0.5 KPa.
3. Total weight of permanent equipment shall be included.

Seismic forces may come from any horizontal direction. The design seismic forces may be assumed to act non-
currently in the direction of each principal axis of the structure, except as required by NSCP -- Section 208.8.1.

A continuous load path, or paths, with adequate strength and stiffness shall be provided which will transfer
all forces from the place of application to the resisting elements.

NSCP SECTION 208.2—DEFINITIONS

The following are the definition of terms and nomenclatures that will be used in the analysis and design of
seismic forces.

Base - the level at which the earthquake motions are considered to be imparted to the structure or the level
at which the structure, as a dynamic vibrator, is supported.

Base Shear, V - the total designed lateral force or shear at the base of a structure.

Bearing Wall System - structural system without a complete vertical load carrying space frame (See Sec.
208.4.6.1).

Boundary Element -an element at edges of opening or at perimeters of shear walls or diaphragms.

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Braced Frame - an essentially vertical truss system of the concentric or eccentric type, which is provided to
resist lateral forces.

Building Frame System - an essentially complete space frame that provides supports for gravity loads (See Sec.
208.4.6.2).

Cantilevered Column Effect – column element in a lateral-force-resisting system that cantilevers from a fixed
base and has minimal moment capacity at the top, with lateral forces applied essentially at the top.

Collector - a member or an element provided to transfer lateral forces from a portion of a structure to vertical
elements of the lateral force resisting system.

Component – a part or element of an architectural, electrical, mechanical or structural system.

Component, Equipment – mechanical or electrical component or element that is part of a mechanical or

electrical system.

Component, Flexible – component, including its attachments, having a fundamental period greater than 0.06
second.

Component, Rigid - component, including its attachments, having a fundamental period less than or equal to
0/06 second.

Concentric Braced Frame - a braced frame in which the members are subjected primarily to axial forces.

Design Basis Ground Motion – ground motion that has 10% chance of being exceeded in 50 years as
determined by a site-specific hazard analysis or may be determined from a hazard map. A suite of ground
motion time histories with dynamic properties shall be used to represent this ground motion. The dynamic
effects of this motion may be represented by the Dynamic Response Spectrum. See Section 208.6.2.

Design Response Spectrum – elastic response spectrum for 5% equivalent viscous damping used to represent
the dynamic effects of the Design Basis Ground Motion for the design of structures in accordance with Sections
208.5 and 208.6. This response spectrum may be either a site-specific spectrum based on geologic, tectonic,
seismological and soil characteristics associated with a specific site or may be a spectrum constructed in
accordance with the spectral shape in Figure208-3 using site-specific values of Caand Cv and multiplied by the
acceleration of gravity, 9.815 m/sec2. See Section 208.6.2.

Design Seismic Force – minimum total strength design base shears, factored and distributed in accordance
with Section 208.5.

Diaphragm - a horizontal or nearly horizontal system acting to transmit lateral forces to the vertical resisting
elements. The term "diaphragm" includes horizontal bracing systems.

Diaphragm or Shear Wall Chord - the boundary element of a diaphragm or a shear wall, which is assumed to
take axial stresses analogous to the flanges of a beam.

Diaphragm Strut (drag strut, tie, collector) - the element of a diaphragm parallel to the applied load that
collects and transfers diaphragm shear to vertical resisting elements or distributes loads within the diaphragm.
Such members may take axial tension or compression.

Drift - see story drift.

Dual System -a combination of a Special or Intermediate Moment Resisting Space Frame and Shear Walls or
Braced Frames designed in accordance with the criteria of Section. 208.4.6.4.

Eccentric Braced Frame (EBF) -a steel braced frame designed in conformance with Section 515.9.

Elastic Response Parameters – forces and deformations determined from an elastic dynamic analysis using an
unreduced ground motion representation, in accordance with Section 208.5.

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Essential Facilities - structures that are necessary for emergency operations subsequent to a natural disaster.

Flexible Element or system - one whose deformations under lateral load is significantly larger than adjoining
parts of the system. Limiting ratios for defining specific flexible elements are set forth in Sections 208.5.6.

Horizontal Bracing System - a horizontal truss system that serves the same function as a diaphragm.

Intermediate Moment Resisting Space Frame (IMRSF) - a concrete space frame designed in conformance with
Section 421.10.

Lateral Force Resisting System - that part of the structural system assigned to resist the design seismic forces.

Moment Resisting Space System - a space frame in which the members and joints are capable of resisting
forces primarily by flexure.

Moment Resisting Wall Frame (MRWF) – a masonry wall frame especially detailed to provide ductile behavior
and designed in conformance with Section 708.2.6.

Ordinary Braced Frame (OBF) – steel-braced framed designed in accordance with the provisions of Section
515.7 and 516.5 or concrete-braced frame designed in accordance with Section 421.

Ordinary Moment Resisting Space Frame (OMRSF) - a moment resisting space frame not meeting special
detailing requirements for ductile behavior.

Orthogonal Effects - the effects on the structure due to earthquake motions acting in directions other than
parallel to the direction of resistance under consideration.

Overstrength – a characteristic of structures where the actual strength is larger than the design strength. The
degree of overstrength is material and system dependent.

PEffect -the secondary effect on shears and moments of frame members induced by the vertical loads acting
on the laterally displaced building frame.

Shear Wall - a wall designed to resist lateral forces parallel to the plane of the wall (sometimes referred to as
a vertical diaphragm or a structural wall).

Shear Wall Frame Interactive System – uses combinations of shear walls and frames designed to resist lateral
forces in proportion to the relative rigidities, considering interaction between shear walls and frames on all
levels.

Soft Story- one in which the lateral stiffness is less than 70% of the stiffness of the story above. See Table
208.9.

Space Frame- a three-dimensional structural system without bearing walls composed of members
interconnected so as to function as a complete self-contained unit with or without the aid of horizontal
diaphragms or floor bracing systems.

Special Concentrically Braced Frame (SCBF) – steel-braced frame designed in conformance with Section 515.8.

Special Moment Resisting Space Frame (SMRSF) -a moment resisting space frame specially detailed to provide
ductile behavior and complying withthe requirements given in Chapter 4 or 5.

Special Truss Moment Frame (STMF) – moment-resisting space frame especially detailed to provide ductile
behavior and comply with the provision of Section 515.10.

Story - the space between levels. Story x is the story below level x.

Story Drift - the displacement of one level relative to the level above or below.

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Story Drift Ratio - the story drift divided by the story height.

Story Shear, Vx - the summation of design lateral forces above the story under consideration.

Strength - the capacity of a structure or a member to resist factored loads as specified in Chapters 2, 3, 4, 5
and 7.

Structure - an assemblage of framing members designed to support gravity loads and resist lateral forces.
Structures may be categorized as building structures or non-building structures.

Subdiaphragm – a portion of a larger wood diaphragm designed to anchor and transfer local forces to primary
diaphragm struts and the main diaphragm.

Vertical Load Carrying Frame - a space frame designed to carry all vertical (gravity) loads.

Wall Anchorage System – system of elements anchoring the wall to the diaphragm and those elements within
the diaphragm required to develop the anchorage forces, including diaphragms and continuous ties, as
specified in Section 208.8.2.7 and 208.8.2.8.

Weak Story – one in which the story strength is less than 80% of that story above. See Table 208.9.

DESIGN BASIS

The basis for the seismic design shall be stated on the structural drawings. The statement shall include:

➢ The governing edition of the building code.

➢ The total base shear coefficient used for seismic design.
➢ A description of the lateral force resisting system.

NSCP SECTION 208.4—CRITERIA SELECTION

Basis for Design.Either the static lateral force procedure (Section 208.5) or the dynamic lateral force procedure
(Section 208.6) shall determine the minimum design seismic forces.The procedures and limitations shall be
determined considering the following:

➢ Seismic zoning.
➢ Site characteristics.
➢ Occupancy.
➢ Configuration.
➢ Structural system.
➢ Height.

Occupancy Categories. For purposes of earthquake resistant design, each structure shall be placed in one of
the occupancy categories in Table 103-1. Table 208-1 lists importance factors, I and Ipand structural
observation requirements for each category.

Site Geology and Soil Characteristics.Soil profiles types and site coefficient S shall be established in accordance
with Table 208-2. Substantiated geotechnical data using the site categorization procedure is set forth in
Section 208.10 (Site Categorization Procedure).

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Site Seismic Hazard Characteristics.Seismic hazard characteristics for the site shall be established based on the
seismic zone and proximity of the site to active seismic sources, site soil profile characteristics and the
structure’s importance factor.

➢ Seismic Zones. Each site shall be assigned to a seismic zone in accordance with Philippine Seismic Zone
Map (Figure 208-1). Each structure shall be assigned a zone factor Z, in accordance with Table 208-3.
➢ Seismic Zone 4 Near-Source Factor. In seismic zone 4, each site shall be assigned near-source factors, Na
and Nvin accordance with Table 208-4 and 208-5 based on the Seismic Source Type as set forth in Section
208.4.4.4. The value of Na used to determine Ca shall comply with the provisions of Section 208.4.4.2.
➢ Seismic Response Coefficients. Each structure shall be assigned a seismic coefficients, Ca in accordance
with Table 208-7 and a seismic coefficient, Cv in accordance with Table 208-8.
➢ Seismic Source Types. Table 208-6 defines the seismic source types. The location and type shall be
established based on approved geological data. See Figure-2A. Type A sourc4es shall be determined from
Figures 208-2B, C, D, E or the most recent mapping of active faults by the Philippine Institute of
Volcanology and Seismology.

Configuration Requirements.Each structure shall be designed as being structurally regular or irregular in

accordance with Sections 208.4.5.1 and 208.4.5.2.

Regular structures have no significant physical discontinuities in plan or vertical configuration or in their lateral
force resisting systems such as the irregular structures.

Irregular structures have significant physical discontinuities in configuration or in their lateral force resisting
systems. Irregular features include, but are not limited to; those described in Tables 208-9 and 208-10. All
structures in occupancy categories 4 and 5 in Zone 2 need to be elevated for vertical irregularities of Type 5
(Table 208-9) and horizontal irregularities of Type 1 (Table 208-10).

➢ Vertical Irregularity. Structures having any of the features listed in Table 208-9 shall be designated as
having a vertical irregularity.

EXCEPTION: Where no story drift ratio under design lateral load is greater 1.3 times the story drift
ratio of the story above, the structure may be deemed to not have irregularities of Types 1 or 2 in
Table 208-9. The drift ratio relationship for the top two stories need not be considered. The story
drifts for this determination may be calculated neglecting torsional effects.

➢ Plan Irregularity.Structures having one or more features listed in Table 208-10 shall be designated as
having a plan irregularity.

Structural Systems. Structural systemsshall be classified as one of the typeslisted in Table 208-11 and defined
below.

➢ Bearing Wall System. A structural systemwithout complete vertical load carrying space frame. Bearing
walls or bracing systems provide support for gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by
shear walls or braced frames.

➢ Building Frame System. A structural system with essentially complete space frame providing support
for gravity loads. Resistance to lateral load is provided by shear wall or braced frames.

➢ Moment Resisting Frame System. A structural system with an essentially complete space frame
providing support for gravity load. Moment resisting space frames provide resistance to lateral load
primarily by flexural action of members.

➢ Dual System. A structural system with the following features:

1. An essentially complete space frame providing support for gravity loads.
2. Resistance to lateral load is provided by:
➢ A specially detailed moment resisting space frame (concrete orsteel) which is capable of
resisting at least 25 percent of the base shear.

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 ➢ Shear walls or braced frames capable of resisting at least 75% of the base shear.
3. The two systems shall be designed to resist the total lateral load in proportion to their relative
rigidities.

➢ Cantilevered Column System. A structural system relying on cantilevered column elements for lateral
resistance.
➢ Undefined Structural System. A structural system not listed in Table 208-11.
➢ Non-Building Structural System. A structural system conforming to Section 208.9.

Height Limits. Height limits for the various structural systems in Seismic Zone 4 are given in Table 208.11.

EXCEPTION: Regular structures may exceed these limits by not more than 50% for unoccupied structures,
which are not accessible to the general public.

SYSTEM LIMITATIONS

Limits are placed on the use of so structural systems in accordance with the following requirements

Structures with discontinuity in capacity, vertical irregularity Type 5 as defined in Table 208.9, shall
not be permitted over two stories or 9 m in height where the weak story has a calculated strength of
less than 65% of the story above.

EXCEPTION: Where the weak story is capable of resisting a total late seismic force of o times the
design force prescribed in Section 208.5.

Undefined structural systems shall be shown by technical and test data which establish the dynamic
characteristics and demonstrate the lateral force resistance and energy absorption capacity to be equivalent
to systems listed in Table 208-11 for equivalent values. See Section 208.4.9.2.

All structures having irregular features described in Table 208-9 or 208-10 shall be designed to meet the
additional requirements of the sections referenced in the tables.

NSCP SECTION 208.10—SITE CATEGORIZATION PROCEDURE

Soil Profiles

Soil profile types are defined in accordance with Table 208-2 and NSCP Section 208.10.2. When the soil
properties are not known in sufficient detail to determine the soil profile type, Type S D shall be used. Soil Profile
Type SE must not be assumed unless the geotechnical engineer determines so with the presence of established
geotechnical data.

Rock Profile Types SA and SB shall be measured using the shear wave velocity test. It shall not be used if there
is more than 3 meters of soil between the rock surface and the bottom of the spread footing or mat
foundation.

Highly weathered or fractured rock shall be measure on site or classified as Soil Profile Type SC.

The hard rock, Soil Profile type SA shall be supported by the shear wave velocity measurement either onsite
or profiles of the same rock type in the same formation with an equal or greater degree of weathering and
fracturing. Where hard rock conditions are known to be continuous to a depth of 30 meters, surficial shear
wave velocity measurements may be extrapolated to assess its value.

Soil Profile Types SC, SD, SE shall be classified using any of the four tests:
1. Shear Wave Velocity, vs—for the top 30 meters.
2. Standard Penetration Resistance, N—for the top 30 meters.
3. Standard Penetration Resistance for Cohesionless Soil, NCH—PI  20 at the top 30 meters.
4. Undrained Shear Strength, su—PI  20 at the top 30 meters.

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Soft Clay Profile Type SE has an existence of soft clay of more than 3 meters. It shall be investigated where a
soft clay layer is defined by the following
su 25 kPa
MC 40%
PI  20

Profiles containing distinctly different soil layers shall be subdivided into those layers designated by a number
from 1 to n at the bottom, where there are a total of n distinct layers in the upper 30 meters.

Soil Profile type SF must require site-specific evaluation.

Average Shear Wave Velocity Test

The average shear wave velocity, vs shall be determined by the following

∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑑𝑖
𝑣𝑠 = 𝑑
∑𝑛𝑖=1( 𝑖 )
𝑣𝑠𝑖

Where: di = thickness of layer i, meters.

vsi = shear wave velocity in layer i, m/sec.

Average Field Standard Penetration Resistance and Average Standard Penetration Resitance for
Cohesionless Layers Tests

The average field standard penetration resistance, N shall be determined with the following:
∑𝑛
𝑖=1 𝑑𝑖
𝑁= 𝑑𝑖
∑𝑛
𝑖=1(𝑁 )
𝑖

The average standard penetration resistance for cohesionless layers, NCH shall be determined with the
following
∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑑𝑠
𝑁𝐶𝐻 = 𝑑
∑𝑛𝑖=1( 𝑖 )
𝑁 𝑖

where
di = thickness of layer i, mm.
ds = total thickness of cohesionless soil layers at the top 30 meters, mm.
Ni = standard penetration resistance of a soil layer in accordance with an approved standard,
blows/300 mm.

Average Undrained Shear Strength Test

The average undrained shear strength, su shall be determined with the following
∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑑𝑐
𝑠𝑢 = 𝑑
∑𝑛𝑖=1( 𝑖 )
𝑠 𝑢𝑖

where
dc = thickness of cohesive soil at the top 30 meters, mm.
dc = 30 - ds
sui = undrained shear strength in accordance with an approved standard, kPa.

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 NSCP Section 208.4: CRITERIA SELECTION

Exercises:

1. A structure has to be constructed in Agoo, La Union. The geographical coordinates were taken as 16 o20’
N Latitude, 120o26’ E Longitude.
➢ The near-source factor, Na should have been
a. 1.00 b. 1.20 c. 1.08 d. 1.12
➢ The near-source factor, Nv should have been
a. 1.20 b. 1.36 c. 1.00 d. 1.60

2. A stratified soil profile is shown in the figure with the given thickness d, shear wave velocity vs, standard

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 penetration test blows N, and undrained shear strength Su.

N 1 = 11 d 1 = 6.00m
v s1 = 167 m/s

N 2 = 37 v s2 = 222 m/s d 2 = 9.25m

d = 30.00 m
N 3 = 69 v s3 = 378 m/s d 3 = 10.50m

N 4 = 82 v s4 = 455 m/s d 4 = 4.25m

S u1 = 32 kPa S u2 = 61 kPa S u3 = 112 kPa S u4 = 133 kPa

➢ The average shear wave velocity of the profile in m/s is nearest to

a. 287 b. 262 c. 356 d. 188
➢ What should be the soil profile type if the average shear wave velocity test will be used?
a. rock b. Stiff soil c. very dense soil d. hard rock
➢ The average standard penetration resistance test per 300 mm is nearest to
a. 30 b. 32 c. 35 d. 37
➢ The average standard penetration resistance test per 300 mm when there is 7.50 m of sand
and gravel soil at the from the bottom of the layer is nearest to
a. 6.55 b. 8.75 c. 7.50 d. 3.55

➢ What should be the soil profile type if the average standard penetration test will be used?
a. SA b. SD c. SE d. SB
➢ The average undrained shear strength in kPa is nearest to
a. 55 b. 34 c. 65 d. 49
➢ What should be the soil profile type if the average undrained shear strength test will be used?
a. SE b. SD c. SB d. SC

➢ At the layer of the cohesive soil, a soil sample weighing 750 g was taken to the laboratory for
geotechnical tests. The test had shown that its liquid limit is 37.26%, and the plastic limit is
18.77%. The weight of the sample after oven-drying is 577.60 g.
❖ The plasticity index of the soil is nearest to
a. 19% b. 27% c. 15% d. 24%
❖ The water content of the soil is nearest to.
a. 9% b. 29% c. 35% d. 22%
❖ Will the cohesive soil be classified as soft clay?
a. yes b. no c. maybe d. it does not matter

3. A six-storey reinforced concrete structure of a special moment-resisting frame type is shown below. The
lateral forces have been applied so as to attain the corresponding floor displacements Si.The weights of
each floor were carefully calculated. Floor level displacements can be taken from computer software.

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 ➢ Determine whether there is a stiffness irregularity soft-storey (Type 1 vertical
irregularity) in the first storey.

To compare displacements rather than stiffness, it is necessary to use the reciprocal of the limiting
ratios of 70% and 80% as they apply to storey stiffness, or reverse their applicability to the storey(s)
above). The storey stiffness ratio is the storey height, hidivided by the storey drift (Si + 1 – S1). The storey
drift ratio is the reciprocal of the stiffness ratio.

➢ Determine whether a vertical weight (mass) irregularity (Type 2) exists.

4. The four-storey special moment frame building below has 7.50 m setback at the third and fourth
storeys. It is supported by shear walls at the first and third bays.

4 @ 7.50 m = 30.00 m

Roof Deck

Shear Wall

Shear Wall

➢ Determine whether a vertical geometric irregularity (Type 3) exists.

➢ Determine whether an in-plane discontinuity in the vertical lateral force-resisting
element (Type4) exists.

5. A concrete bearing wall building has typical transverse wall configuration shown below. All walls in this
direction are identical, and the individual piers have shear contributions. Vnis the nominal shear strength
calculated in accordance with NSCP Section 421.7.4 and Vm is the shear corresponding to the development
of the nominal flexure strength as calculated in accordance with NSCP Section421.7.5.

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 Pier Vn, kN Vm, kN
1 20 30
2 30 40
3 15 10
4 20 15
5 80 120
6 15 10
7 20 15

In calculating the storey strengths, use the smaller values of Vn and Vm given for each pier.

➢ Determine if a discontinuity in capacity-weak storey condition (Type 5) exists.

Roof Deck

5 6 7

1 2 3 4

6. A four-storey moment resisting frame building has rigid floor diaphragms. Under seismic forces, including
the effects of accidental torsion, the following were the calculated displacements at Levels 2 and 3

Roof Deck

Level 3 R,3
L,3

Level
R,2
2
L,2

L,3= 33.00 mm R,3 = 48.50 mm

L,2= 25.00 mm R,2 = 30.50 mm

➢ Determine whether a torsional plan irregularity (Type 1) exists in the second storey.
➢ Compute the torsional amplification factor Ax for Level 3 as given in NSCP Section 205.5.7.
a. 0.98 b. 0.88 c. 0.67 d. 0.75

7. The plan of a ten-storey special moment frame is shown below. Determine if there is a plan re-entrant
corner irregularity (Type 2).

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8. A multi-storey reinforced concrete building has a bearing wall system located around the perimeter of the
building. The bearing walls acting as shear walls the floor plan of the second floor that are shown below
resists lateral forces. The symmetrically placed open area in the diaphragm is for an atrium, and has
dimensions 12.00 m * 23.0 m. All diaphragms above the second floor have no significant openings.

38.00 m
23.00 m

12.00 m
24.00 m

➢ Determine if a plan diaphragm discontinuity (Type 3) exists at the second floor.

9. A four-storey building has a concrete shear wall lateral force-resisting system in a building frame
configuration. The plan configuration of the shear walls is shown below. Determine if there is a plan out-
of-plane offset irregularity (Type 4) between the first and second floors.

4 @ 7.50 m = 30.00 m

2 @ 7.50 m = 15.00 m 2

3
First (Ground) Floor Plan
1

3
Typical (Upper) Floor Plan
A B C D E

10. A ten-storey building has the floor plan shown at all levels. Special moment-resisting frames are located
at the perimeter of the building lines 1, 4, A, and F.

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 4 @ 7.50 m = 30.00 m F

A B C D E
1

2 m
3 @ 6.00
= 18.00 m

4
➢ Determine whether a non-parallel irregularity(Type 5) exists.

Solutions and Answers to Criteria Selection:

1. Nearest fault to Agoo, La Union with geographical coordinates were taken as 16 o20’ N Latitude,
120o26’ E Longitude: PFZ: Tubao Fault which is 8 km from the given site. Tubao Fault is Type A seismic
source.

Using Table 208 – 4 to solve for Na:

5 km 1.2
8 km Na
10 km 1.0

8−5 𝑁 −1.2
𝑎
= 1.0−1.2 ; 𝑁𝑎 = 1.08
10−5

Using Table 208 – 7 to solve for Ca: Z = 0.4, Soil profile type: SD
𝐶𝑎 = 0.44𝑁𝑎
𝐶𝑎 = 0.44(1.08) = 0.4752

Using Table 208 – 5 to solve for Nv:

5 km 1.6
8 km Nv
10 km 1.2

8−5 𝑁𝑣 − 1.6
= ; 𝑁𝑣 = 1.36
10 − 5 1.2 − 1.6

Using Table 208 – 8 to solve for Cv:

𝐶𝑣 = 0.64𝑁𝑣
𝐶𝑣 = 0.64(1.36) = 0.8704
2.
➢ Average shear wave velocity, vs:
∑𝑛𝑖=0 𝑑𝑖 6 + 9.25 + 10.5 + 4.25
𝑣𝑠 = 𝑑𝑖 = 6 9.25 10.5 4.25 = 261.52 𝑚/𝑠
𝑛
∑𝑖=0
167
+ 222
+ 378
+ 455
𝑣𝑠𝑖
➢ Soil profile type using vs: SD – stiff soil profile (vs is between 180 to 360 m/s)

➢ Average standard penetration resistance test per 300 mm, N:

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 ∑𝑛𝑖=0 𝑑𝑖 6 + 9.25 + 10.5 + 4.25
𝑁= 𝑑 = 6 9.25 10.5 4.25 = 30.02
∑𝑛𝑖=0 𝑖 + + +
𝑁𝑖 11 37 69 82
➢ Average standard penetration resistance test per 300 mm when there is 7.50 m of sand and
gravel soil , NCH:
𝑑𝑠 7.5
𝑁𝐶𝐻 = 𝑑 = 6 9.25 10.5 4.25 = 7.504
∑𝑛𝑖=0 𝑖 + + +
11
𝑁𝑖 37 69 82
➢ Soil profile type using N: SD – stiff soil profile (N is between 15 to 50)

➢ Average undrained shear strength, Su:

𝑑𝑐 30 − 7.5
𝑣𝑠 = 𝑑 = 6 9.25 10.5 4.25 = 48.4 𝑘𝑃𝑎
∑𝑛𝑖=0 𝑖
+ 61 + 112 +
32
𝑆𝑢𝑖 133
➢ Soil profile type using Su: SE – soft soil profile (Su< 50 kPa)

❖ Plasticity index of the soil, PI: 𝑃𝐼 = 𝐿𝐿 − 𝑃𝐿

𝑃𝐼 = 37.26 − 18.77 = 18.49 %

𝑊𝑤 750−577.6
❖ Water content of the soil, w: 𝑤 = = 𝑥 100 = 29.85%
𝑊𝑠 577.6
❖ No. Soft clay layer, SE is defined by Su< 24 kPa, wmc ≥ 40% and PI > 20.

3. Stiffness Irregularity Soft Storey (Type 1 Vertical Irregularity)

➢ Determine whether there is a stiffness irregularity soft-storey (Type 1 vertical irregularity) in the
first storey.

Level Storey Storey Drift Storey Storey Drift 0.70*Sx 0.80*Sx Savg of the Soft
SDx = Dx-Dx- Next 3
x Displacement 1 Height Ratio Storeys Storey
Dx (mm) hx (mm) Sx = SDx/hx Status
6 57.24 5.93 3,000.00 0.00198 0.001384 0.001581 - FALSE No
5 51.31 6.86 3,000.00 0.00229 0.001601 0.001829 - FALSE No
4 44.45 7.62 3,000.00 0.00254 0.001778 0.002032 - FALSE No
3 36.83 9.40 3,000.00 0.00313 0.002193 0.002507 0.00227 False Yes
2 27.43 9.40 3,000.00 0.00313 0.002193 0.002507 0.00265 FALSE No
1 18.03 18.03 3,500.00 0.00515 0.003606 0.004121 0.00294 False Yes

➢ Determine whether a vertical weight (mass) irregularity (Type 2) exists.

Upper
Level Weight Lower Level Weight Level Weight
1.50 *
X Wx (kN) 1.50 * Wx-1 Irregularity Wx+1 Irregularity
Status Status
6 350.00 750.00 No - No
5 500.00 750.00 No 525.00 No
4 500.00 675.00 No 750.00 No
3 450.00 1,200.00 No 750.00 No
2 800.00 600.00 Yes 675.00 Yes
1 400.00 - - 1,200.00 No

4. Vertical Irregularity Type 3

14
 ➢ Determine whether a vertical geometric irregularity (Type 3) exists.

A vertical geometric irregularity is considered to exist where the horizontal dimension of the lateral force-
resisting system in any storey is more than 130 percent of that in the adjacent storey.

Level Width Upper Level Width Ratio Geometric

X Lx (m) Width Lx/Lx+1 Irregularity
Lx+1 (m) (%) Status
RD 22.50 - Yes
4 22.50 22.50 100.00 No
3 30.00 22.50 133.33 Yes
2 30.00 30.00 100.00 No
1 30.00 30.00 100.00 No
➢ Determine whether an in-plane discontinuity in the vertical lateral force-resisting element
(Type4) exists.

A type 4 vertical irregularity exists where there is an in-plane offset of the lateral load resisting elements
greater than the length of those elements. In this example, the left side of the upper shear wall (between lines
A and B) is offset 15 m from the left side of the lower shear wall (between lines C and D). This 15 m offset is
greater than the 7.5 m length of the shear wall elements.

5. Vertical Irregularity Type 5

Level Storey Upper Level 0.80* of Upper Weak

X Strength, kN Storey Level Storey Storey
Strength, kN Strength, kN Status
2 105.00 #VALUE! #VALUE!
1 75.00 105.00 84.00 Yes

INTRODUCTION TO PLAN IRREGULARITIES

Types of Plan Irregularities

1. Torsional Irregularity – to be considered when diaphragms are not flexible
2. Re-entrant corners
3. Diaphragm discontinuity
4. Out-of plane offsets
5. Nonparallel systems

6. Plan Irregularity Type 1

➢ Determine whether a torsional plan irregularity (Type 1) exists in the second storey.
A Type 1 torsional plan irregularity is considered to exist when the maximum storey drift, including accidental
torsion effects, at one end of the structure transverse to an axis is more than 1.2 times the average of the
storey drifts of the two ends of the structure.
Referring to the above figure showing the displacements 𝛿 due to the prescribed lateral forces , this
irregularity check is defined in terms of storey drift ∆𝛿𝑥 = (𝛿𝑥 − 𝛿𝑥−1 ) at ends R (right) and L (left) of the
structure. Torsional irregularity exists at level x when

1.2(∆𝛿𝑅,𝑥 +∆𝛿𝐿,𝑥 )
∆𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∆𝛿𝑅,𝑥 > 2
= 1.2(∆𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔 )
Where: ∆𝛿𝐿,2 = 𝛿𝐿,2 − 𝛿𝐿,1
∆𝛿𝑅,2 = 𝛿𝑅,2 − 𝛿𝑅,1
∆𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = ∆𝛿𝑅,𝑥 , ∆𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔

15
 ∆𝛿𝐿,𝑥 +∆𝛿𝑅,𝑥
= 2
Determining storey drifts at level 3
∆𝛿𝐿,2 = 33 − 25 = 8𝑚𝑚
∆𝛿𝑅,2 = 48.5 − 30.5 = 18𝑚𝑚
8+18
∆𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = 13 𝑚𝑚
2
Checking 1.2 criteria
∆𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 ∆𝛿 18
= ∆𝛿 𝑅,2 = 13 = 1.4 > 1.2
∆𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔 𝑎𝑣𝑔

∴ 𝑇𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛𝑎𝑙 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠

➢ Compute the torsional amplification factor Ax for Level 3 as given in NSCP Section 205.5.7.

When torsional irregularity exists at a levelx, the accidental eccentricity, equal to 5 percent of the building
dimension, must be increased by an amplication factor Ax. This must be done for each level, and each may
have a different Ax value. In this example, Ax is computed for level 2.
𝟐
𝒎𝒂𝒙𝜹
𝑨𝒙 = (𝟏.𝟐𝜹 )
𝒂𝒗𝒈

𝛿𝑚𝑎𝑥 = 𝛿𝑅,3 = 48.5 𝑚𝑚

𝛿𝐿,2 + 𝛿𝑅,2
𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔 = 2
33 + 48.5
𝛿𝑎𝑣𝑔 = = 40.75 𝑚𝑚
2
2
48.5
𝐴2 = [ ]
1.2(40.75)
= 0.98 < 1.0
∴ 𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐴𝑥 = 1.0

7. Plan Irregularity Type 2

A Type 2 re-entrant corner plan irregularity exists when the plan configuration of a structure and its lateral
force-resisting system contain re-entrant corners, where both projections of the structure beyond a re-entrant
corner are greater than 15% of the plan dimension of the structure in the direction considered.
The plan configuration of this building, and its lateral force resisting system, have identical re-entrant corner
dimensions. For the sides on Lines 1 and 5, the projection beyond the re-entrant corner is

30 𝑚 − 22.5 𝑚 = 7.5 𝑚
7.5
This is 30 𝑜𝑟 25 % 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 30 𝑚 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛.
For the sides on Lines A and F, the projection is 24 – 18 m = 6m
6
This is 24 𝑜𝑟 25 % 𝑜𝑓 𝑡ℎ𝑒 24 𝑚 𝑝𝑙𝑎𝑛 𝑑𝑖𝑚𝑒𝑛𝑠𝑖𝑜𝑛.
Since both projections exceed 15%, there is a re-entrant corner irregularity.

∴ 𝑅𝑒 − 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑟𝑎𝑛𝑡 𝑐𝑜𝑟𝑛𝑒𝑟 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠

8. Plan Irregularity Type 3

➢ Determine if a plan diaphragm discontinuity (Type 3) exists at the second floor.

A Type 3 diaphragm discontinuity irregularity exists when diaphragms have abrupt discontinuities or variations
in stiffness, including cut out or open areas greater than 50 % of the gross enclosed area of the diaphragm, or
changes in effective diaphragm stiffness of more than 50 % from one storey to the next.

Gross enclosed area of the diaphragm is 24 m x 38 m = 912 m2

Area of opening is 12m x 23m = 276 m2

16
 50% of gross area = 0.5 (912) = 456 m2
276 < 456 m2
∴ 𝑁𝑜 𝑑𝑖𝑎𝑝ℎ𝑟𝑎𝑔𝑚 𝑑𝑖𝑠𝑐𝑜𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑛𝑢𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡

9. Plan Irregularity Type 4

➢ Determine if there is a plan out-of-plane offset irregularity (Type 4) between the first and second
floors.

An out-of-plane irregularity exists when there are discontinuities in a lateral force path, for example: out-of-
plane offsets of vertical resisting elements such as shear walls . The first storey shear wall on Line D has 7.5 m
out-of-plane offset to the shear wall on Line E at the second storey and above. This constitutes an out-of –
plane offset irregularity.

∴ 𝑂𝑓𝑓𝑠𝑒𝑡 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠.

10. Plan Irregularity Type 5

➢ Determine whether a non-parallel irregularity(Type 5) exists.

A type 5 nonparallel system irregularity is considered to exist when the lateral load resisting elements are not
parallel to or symmetric about major orthogonal axes of the building’s lateral force-resisting system.
The vertical lateral force-resisting frame elements located on Line F are not parallel to the major orthogonal
axes of the building (i.e. Lines 4 and A). Therefore, a nonparallel system irregularity exists.
∴ 𝐴 𝑛𝑜𝑛 𝑝𝑎𝑟𝑎𝑙𝑙𝑒𝑙 𝑠𝑦𝑠𝑡𝑒𝑚 𝑖𝑟𝑟𝑒𝑔𝑢𝑙𝑎𝑟𝑖𝑡𝑦 𝑒𝑥𝑖𝑠𝑡𝑠

NSCP Section 208.5: MINIMUM DESIGN LATERAL FORCES

AND RELATED EFFECTS

NSCP SECTION 208.5.1—EARTHQUAKE LOADS AND MODELING REQUIREMENTS

Section 208.5.1.1—Earthquake Loads. Structures shall be designed for ground motion producing structural
response to two bays with moment-resisting connections on opposite and seismic forces in any horizontal
direction. The following earthquake loads shall be used in the load combinations set forth in Section 203:
E = Eh + Ev
Em =  o Eh
where:

E = the earthquake load on an element of a structure resulting from the combination of the horizontal
component, Ehand the vertical component, Ev.

Eh = the earthquake load due to the base shear, V as set forth in Section 208.5.2 or the design lateral force,
Fp as set forth in Section 208.7.

17
Em= the estimated maximum earthquake force that can be developed in the structure as set forth in Section
205.5.1.1, and used in the design of specific elements of the structure, as specifically identified in the
NSCP.

Ev= the load effect resulting from the vertical component of the earthquake ground motion.
= 0.50Ca I D for Strength Design.
= 0.00 for Allowable Stress Design.

o = the seismic amplification factor that is requires to account for structural over-strength, as set forth in
Section 208.5.3.1.

 = Reliability/Redundancy Factor.
 = 2 – (6.10/rmaxAB).
1.0  1.50.
1.25, for special moment-resisting frames, except when used in dual systems. The number of bays of
special moment-resisting frames shall be increased to reduce r, such that  shall not exceed 1.25.
 0.80 ri, for dual systems.

 = 1.00, when drift is calculated or when the structure is located in Zone 2.

rmax = the maximum element-storey shear ratio. For a given direction of loading, the element-storey ratio is
the ratio of the design story shear in the most heavily loaded single element divided by the total design
storey shear.
= the largest element-storey shear ratio, riin any storey level at or below two-thirds height level of the
building

ri = the element-storey shear ratio for any given storey level, i.

= for braced frames, the maximum horizontal force in a single brace element divided by the total storey
shear.
= for moment frames, the maximum of the sum of the shears in any two adjacent columns in a moment
frame bay divided by the storey shear.
= for columns common to two bays with moment-resisting connections on opposite sides at level I in the
direction under consideration, 70% of the shear in that column may be used in the column shear
summation.
= for shear walls, the maximum value of the product of the wall shear multiplied by 3.0/lwand divided by
the total storey shear, where lw is the length of the wall, in meters.
= for dual systems, the maximum value of rias defined considering all lateral-load resisting elements. The
lateral loads shall be distributed to elements based on relative rigidities considering the interaction of
the dual system.

AB = the ground floor area of the structure, m2.

= may be taken as the average floor area in the upper setback portion of the building where a larger base
area exists in the ground floor.

Dead, live and wind loads shall be in accordance with the applicable provisions of for gravity loads of the
NSCPSection 204 and 205.Section 208.5.1.1 states that seismic dead load W, also known, as earthquake load
is the total dead load and applicable portions of other loads listed below.
1. In storage and warehouse occupancies, a minimum of 25 percent of the floor live load shall be applicable.
2. Where an allowance for partition load is included in the floor design, the applicable portion of the load
shall be not less than 0.50 KPa.
3. Total weight of permanent equipment shall be included.

The ground motion producing lateral response and design seismic forces may be assumed to act non-
concurrently in the direction of each principal axis of structure, except as required by Section 208.8.1

Section 208.5.1.2—Modelling Requirements. The mathematical model of the physical structure shall include
all elements of the lateral-resisting system. The model shall also include the stiffness and strength of the

18
elements, which are significant to the distribution of forces, and shall represent the spatial distribution of the
mass and stiffness of the structure. of the structure. In addition, model shall comply with the following:

1. Stiffness properties of reinforced concrete an masonry elements shall consider the effects of the cracked
section.
2. For steel moment frame systems, the contribution of the panel zone deformations to storey drift shall be
included.

Section 208.5.1.3—P Effects.The resulting member forces and moments and the storey drifts induced by P
effects shall be considered in the evaluation of the overall structural stability and shall be evaluated using the
forces producing the displacements s.

➢ Pneed not be considered when the stability coefficient (ratio of the secondary moment to the primary
moment) does not exceed 0.10.

➢ The stability coefficient,imay be evaluated for any storey as the product of the total dead load, and the
floor live loads, Pi as required in Section 203, above the storey times the seismic drift in that storey, I
divided by the product of the seismic shear in that storey, Vi times the height in that storey, hi.
𝑷𝒊 ∆𝒊
𝜽𝒊 =
𝑽𝒊 𝒉𝒊
➢ In Seismic Zone 4, P need not be considered when the storey drift ratio does not exceed 0.02/R.
∆𝑠
≤ 0.02/𝑅
ℎ𝑠
Problems:

1. A reinforced concrete building intended for the College of Engineering of AUF that is to house about 1,500
students was to be designed for earthquake. The structure must be a special moment-resisting frame as
shown below.  = 1.10 and f1 = 0.50

Roof Deck

Floor Level

A B C

h4
D

Base Level

Beam A-B and column C-D are elements of the frame. Structural analysis has provided the following data:

Dead Load, D Live Load, L Lateral Seismic Load, Eh

Beam Moment at A 135 kNm 65 kNm 165 kNm
Column Axial Load at C-D 400 kN 180 kN 490 kN
Column Moment at C 55 kNm 30 kNm 220 kNm

➢ The strength design moment at beam end A in kNm should have been
a. 406 or –90 b. 505 or –65 c. 316 or –47 d. 356 or –23
➢ The strength design axial load at column C-D in kN should have been
a. 987 or –96 b. 1197 or –75 c. 1197 or –26 d. 1356 or –63
➢ The strength design moment at column end C in kNm should have been

19
 a. 304 or –205 b. 605 or –85 c. 335 or –205 d. 335 or –53

2. For the same building as shown in Exercise No. 1, determine whether the Peffects must be considered
for the first storey if the following data were gathered:

D = 38,556 kN
L = 17,125 kN
W = 38,452 kN (total weight of the structure)
V1= 0.042 W
h1 = 6.00 m (height of the first storey)
1 = 0.003 h1 (storey drift)

SOLUTION:

1. Strength design moment at beam end A

a. Determine earthquake load E:
E =Eh + Ev
Ev = 0.5CaID
= 05(0.44)(1.0)(135)
= 29.7 kN-m
Eh = 165 kN-m
E = 1.1(165) + 29.7
= 211 kN-m

b. Apply earthquake load combinations

MA = 1.2MD + 1.0ME + f1ML
= 1.2(135) + 1.0(211)+0.5(65)
= 406 kN-m
MA = 0.9MD ± 1.0ME
= 0.9(135) ± 1.0(211)
= 333 kN-m or – 90 kN-m
∴MA = 406 kN-m or – 90 kN-m

1.4D =189 kN-m

1.2D +1.6 L = 266 kN-m
1.2D + f1L = 194.5 kN-m

2. Strength design axial load at column C - D

a. Determine earthquake load E:
E =Eh + Ev
Ev = 0.5CaID
= 05(0.44)(1.0)(400)
= 88 kN
Eh = 490 kN
E = 1.1(490) + 88
= 627 kN

b. Apply earthquake load combinations

PC = 1.2D+ 1.0E + f1L

= 1.2(400) + 1.0(627)+0.5(180)
= 1197kN
PC = 0.9D± 1.0E
= 0.9(400) ± 1.0(627)
= 987 kN or – 267 kN
∴ PC = 1197 kN or – 267 kN

20
 1.4D =560 kN
1.2D +1.6 L = 768 kN
1.2D + f1L = 570 kN

3. Strength design moment at column top C

a. Determine earthquake load E:

E =Eh + Ev
Ev = 0.5CaID
= 05(0.44)(1.0)(55)
= 12.1 kN-m
Eh = 220 kN-m
E = 1.1(220) + 12.1
= 254 kN-m

b. Apply earthquake load combinations

MC = 1.2MD + 1.0ME + f1ML

= 1.2(55) + 1.0(254)+0.5(30)
= 335 kN-m
MC = 0.9MD ± 1.0ME
= 0.9(55) ± 1.0(254)
= 304 kN-m or – 205 kN-m
∴MC = 335 kN-m or – 205 kN-m

1.4D =77 kN-m

1.2D +1.6 L = 114 kN-m
1.2D + f1L = 81 kN-m

Note that the column section capacity must be designed for the interaction of PC = 1197 kN
compression and MC = 335 kN-m (for dead, live and earthquake), and the interaction of PC = 267 kN
tension and MC = - 205 kN-m (for dead and earthquake)

Using allowable stress design:

1. E = Eh + Ev; Ev = 0
E = 1.1(165) + 0 = 181.5 kN-m

D + E/1.4 = 135+ 181.5/1.4 = 264.64 kN-m

0.90D + E/1.4 = 0.90(135) + 181.5/1.4
= 251.14 kN-m
0.90D – E/1.4 = 0.90(135) – 181.5/1.4
= - 8.14 kN-m
D + 0.75[L + E/1.4]
= 135+ 0.75[65 + 181.5/1.4]
= 329.64 kN-m

∴MA = 329.64 kN-m or – 8.14 kN-m

2. E = Eh + Ev; Ev = 0
E = 1.1(490) + 0 = 539 kN

D + E/1.4 = 400 + 539/1.4 = 785 kN

0.90D + E/1.4 = 0.90(400) + 539/1.4
= 745 kN
0.90D – E/1.4 = 0.90(400) – 539/1.4
= - 25 kN

21
 D + 0.75[L + E/1.4]
= 400 + 0.75[180 + 539/1.4]
= 823.75 kN

∴PC = 823.75 kN or – 25 kN

3. E = Eh + Ev; Ev = 0
E = 1.1(220) + 0 = 242 kN-m

D + E/1.4 = 55+ 242/1.4 = 227.86 kN-m

0.90D + E/1.4 = 0.90(55) + 242/1.4
= 222.36 kN-m
0.90D – E/1.4 = 0.90(55) – 242/1.4
= - 123.36 kN-m
D + 0.75[L + E/1.4] = 55 + 0.75[30 + 242/1.4 = 207.14 kN-m

∴MC = 227.86 kN-m or – 123.36 kN-m

References:

1. AslamKassimali, UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS

2. R.C. Hibbeler, STRUCTURAL ANALYSIS (7th Edition)
3. Encyc. Brit. – Encyclopedia Britannica
4. Jack C. McCormac and James K. Nelson Jr. – Structural Analysis (A Classical and Matrix Approach), Second
Edition, 1997
5. C. H. Norris, J. B. Wilbur & S. Utku– Elementary Structural Analysis, Fourth Edition;1991
6. National Structural Code of the Philippines 2015

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