Seismic performance evaluation of steel frame-steel plate shear walls system based on the capacity spectrum method

This paper presents some methods that the standard acceleration design response spectra derived from the present China code for seismic design of buildings are transformed into the seismic demand spectra, and that the base shear force-roof displacement curve of structure is converted to the capacity spectrum of an equivalent single-degree-of-freedom （SDOF） system. The capacity spectrum method （CSM） is programmed by means of MATLABT.0 computer language. A dual lateral force resisting system of 10-story steel frame-steel plate shear walls （SPSW） is designed according to the corresponding China design codes. The base shear force-roof displacement curve of structure subjected to the monotonic increasing lateral inverse triangular load is obtained by applying the equivalent strip model to stimulate SPSW and by using the finite element analysis software SAP2000 to make Pushover analysis. The seismic performance of this dual system subjected to three different conditions, i.e. the 8-intensity frequently occurred earthquake, fortification earthquake and seldom occurred earthquake, is evaluated by CSM program. The excessive safety of steel frame-SPSW system designed according to the present China design codes is pointed out and a new design method is suggested.

Phase spectrum estimation of the seismic wavelet based on a criterion function

Phase spectrum estimation of the seismic wavelet is an important issue in high-resolution seismic data processing and interpretation. On the basis of two patterns of constant-phase rotation and root transform for wavelet phase spectrum variation, we introduce six sparse criteria, including Lu’s improved kurtosis criterion, the parsimony criterion, exponential transform criterion, Sech criterion, Cauchy criterion, and the modified Cauchy criterion, to phase spectrum estimation of the seismic wavelet, obtaining an equivalent effect to the kurtosis criterion. Through numerical experiments, we find that when the reflectivity is not a sparse sequence, the estimated phase spectrum of the seismic wavelet based on the criterion function will deviate from the true value. In order to eliminate the influence of non-sparse reflectivity series in a single trace, we apply the method to the multi-trace seismogram, improving the accuracy of seismic wavelet phase spectrum estimation.

Seismic design or retrofit of buildings with metallic structural fuses by the damage-reduction spectrum

Recently, the structural fuse has become an important issue in the field of earthquake engineering. Due to the trilinearity of the pushover curve of buildings with metallic structural fuses, the mechanism of the structural fuse is investigated through the ductility equation of a single-degree-of-freedom system, and the corresponding damage-reduction spectrum is proposed to design and retrofit buildings. Furthermore, the controlling parameters, the stiffness ratio between the main frame and structural fuse and the ductility factor of the main frame, are parametrically studied, and it is shown that the structural fuse concept can be achieved by specific combinations of the controlling parameters based on the proposed damage-reduction spectrum. Finally, a design example and a retrofit example, variations of real engineering projects after the 2008 Wenchuan earthquake, are provided to demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed design procedures using buckling restrained braces as the structural fuses.

Study of the anomaly of seismic fractal spectrum before strong earthquakes

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Characteristic Period Value of the Seismic Design Response Spectrum of UHV Electrical Equipment

Characteristic period is an important parameter of the seismic design response spectrum. There is important theoretical significance and engineering application value to the study of the characteristic period of seismic design response spectrum of ultra high voltage （UHV） electrical equipment. In this paper, 1448 horizontal earthquake records within the world scope including the United States and Japan for Site Class m were analyzed. Results show that both magnitude and epicentral distance have great influence on the characteristic period. About 80 % of characteristic periods of strong earthquake records are about 0. 9s. Statistical analysis was conducted on the seismic hazard assessment results of 312 projects of China in recent years, and it is found that about 70 % of characteristic periods are about 0. 9s. Combined with the related code comparison and analysis, it is suggested that the characteristic period of the seismic design response spectrmn of UHV electrical equipment should select 0. 9s in order to effectively guarantee the seismic safety of UHV electrical equipment.

Investigation of Effects of Capacity Spectrum Method on Performance Evaluation of Multi-Story Buildings According to the IRAQI Seismic Code Requirements

The aim of this study is to assess the performance objectives defined in the Iraqi Seismic Code (ISC) in order to make a realistic evaluation related to Performance-Based Seismic Design (PBSD) of multi-story reinforced concrete buildings and also to compare and evaluate structural response demands obtained from nonlinear static analysis procedures according to two versions of the capacity spectrum method (CSM) which are recommended in ATC 40 and ATC 55. Two groups of three-dimensional RC buildings with different heights, designed according to Iraqi Building Code Requirements for Reinforced Concrete (IBC), are investigated. Pushover analyses are carried out to determine the nonlinear behavior of the buildings under three different seismic hazard levels, for two Iraqi seismic zones, of earthquake loads. In order to determine performance levels of the buildings, maximum inter-story drift demands and plasticizing sequence are determined and compared with the related limits using the CSM recommended in ATC 40 and ATC 55. From the results of this research, it can be concluded that RC buildings designed according to the Iraqi codes sufficiently provide the performance objectives stipulated in the ISC. Comparing structural response quantities obtained from the two versions of CSM, effects on performance evaluations of the buildings are investigated comparatively, as well.

Probability-consistent spectrum and code spectrum

In the seismic safety evaluation (SSE) for key projects, the probability-consistent spectrum (PCS), usually obtained from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), is not consistent with the design response spectrum given by Code for Seismic Design of Buildings (GB50011-2001). Sometimes, there may be a remarkable difference be-tween them. If the PCS is lower than the corresponding code design response spectrum (CDS), the seismic fortifi-cation criterion for the key projects would be lower than that for the general industry and civil buildings. In the paper, the relation between PCS and CDS is discussed by using the ideal simple potential seismic source. The re-sults show that in the most areas influenced mainly by the potential sources of the epicentral earthquakes and the regional earthquakes, PCS is generally lower than CDS in the long periods. We point out that the long-period re-sponse spectra of the code should be further studied and combined with the probability method of seismic zoning as much as possible. Because of the uncertainties in SSE, it should be prudent to use the long-period response spectra given by SSE for key projects when they are lower than CDS.

Probability-consistent spectrum and code spectrum

In the seismic safety evaluation (SSE) for key projects, the probability-consistent spectrum (PCS), usually obtained from probabilistic seismic hazard analysis (PSHA), is not consistent with the design response spectrum given by Code for Seismic Design of Buildings (GB50011-2001). Sometimes, there may be a remarkable difference be-tween them. If the PCS is lower than the corresponding code design response spectrum (CDS), the seismic fortifi-cation criterion for the key projects would be lower than that for the general industry and civil buildings. In the paper, the relation between PCS and CDS is discussed by using the ideal simple potential seismic source. The re-sults show that in the most areas influenced mainly by the potential sources of the epicentral earthquakes and the regional earthquakes, PCS is generally lower than CDS in the long periods. We point out that the long-period re-sponse spectra of the code should be further studied and combined with the probability method of seismic zoning as much as possible. Because of the uncertainties in SSE, it should be prudent to use the long-period response spectra given by SSE for key projects when they are lower than CDS.

Study of sedimentary sequence cycles by well-seismic calibration

In order to solve the problems of the fine division of sedimentary sequence cycles and their change in two-dimensional space as well as lateral extension contrast, we developed a method of wavelet depth-frequency analysis. The single signal and composite signal of different Milankovitch cycles are obtained by numerical simulation. The simulated composite signal can be separated into single signals of a single frequency cycle. We also develop a well-seismic calibration insertion technology which helps to realize the calibration from the spectrum characteristics of a single well to the seismic profile. And then we determine the change and distribution characteristics of spectrum cycles in the two-dimensional space. It points out the direction in determining the variations of the regional sedimentary sequence cycles, underground strata structure and the contact relationship.

Potential risks of spectrum whitening deconvolution——compared with well-driven deconvolution

Deconvolution is widely used to increase the resolution of seismic data. To compare the resolution ability of conventional spectrum whitening deconvolution to thin layers with that of welldriven deconvolution, a complex sedimentary geological model was designed, and then the simulated seismic data were processed respectively by each of the two methods. The amplitude spectrum of seismic data was almost white after spectrum whitening, but the wavelet resolution was low. The amplitude spectrum after well-driven deconvolution deviated from white spectrum, but the wavelet resolution was high. Further analysis showed that if an actual reflectivity series could not well satisfy the hypothesis of white spectrum, spectrum whitening deconvolution had a potential risk of wavelet distortion, which might lead to a pitfall in high resolution seismic data interpretation. On the other hand, the wavelet after well- driven deconvolution had higher resolution both in the time and frequency domains. It is favorable for high resolution seismic interpretation and reservoir prediction.

Engineering characteristics of near-fault vertical ground motions and their effect on the seismic response of bridges

A wide variety of near-fault strong ground motion records were collected from various tectonic environments worldwide and were used to study the peak value ratio and response spectrum ratio of the vertical to horizontal component of ground motion, focusing on the effect of earthquake magnitude, site conditions, pulse duration, and statistical component. The results show that both the peak value ratio and response spectrum ratio are larger than the 2/3 value prescribed in existing seismic codes, and the relationship between the vertical and horizontal ground motions is comparatively intricate. In addition, the effect of the near-fault ground motions on bridge performance is analyzed, considering both the material nonlinear characteristics and the P-A effect.

A comparison of IBC with 1997 UBC for modal response spectrum analysis in standard-occupancy buildings

This paper presents a comparison of the seismic forces generated from a Modal Response Spectrum Analysis （MRSA） by applying the provisions of two building codes, the 1997 Uniform Building Code （UBC） and the 2000-2009 International Building Code （IBC）, to the most common ordinary residential buildings of standard occupancy. Considering IBC as the state of the art benchmark code, the primary concern is the safety of buildings designed using the UBC as compared to those designed using the IBC. A sample of four buildings with different layouts and heights was used for this comparison. Each of these buildings was assumed to be located at four different geographical sample locations arbitrarily selected to represent various earthquake zones on a seismic map of the USA, and was subjected to code-compliant response spectrum analyses for all sample locations and for five different soil types at each location. Response spectrum analysis was performed using the ETABS software package. For all the cases investigated, the UBC was found to be significantly more conservative than the IBC. The UBC design response spectra have higher spectral accelerations, and as a result, the response spectrum analysis provided a much higher base shear and moment in the structural members as compared to the IBC. The conclusion is that ordinary office and residential buildings designed using UBC 1997 are considered to be overdesigned, and therefore they are quite safe even according to the IBC provisions.

New national seismic zoning map of China

A new set of seismic zoning maps were published in August 1, 2001. It includes two maps, one is the seismic zon-ing map of peak acceleration, and the other is the zoning map of the characteristic period of the response spectrum. The exceeding probability of the map is 10% within 50 years. The scale of the map is 1:4 000 000. These maps serve as the national standard. The background of this project, technical approach and key scientific measures, the basic feature and the application of the maps are introduced in this paper.

CONVEX-MODEL ANALYSIS OF THE SEISMIC RESPONSE

An ellipsoidal Fourier-bound convex model (EFB model) is proposed in the present paper to express the uncertainty of seismic excitation, and several methods of selecting parameters of the model are explained. An analytical expression is obtained for the worst response of the single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system with the EFB model. A numerical simulation shows that the traditional prediction of maximum response can yield the value substantially lover than that predicted by the EFB model. This means that the traditional designing method based on standard seismic inputs may lead to unsafe design decisions.

A Comparison of Saudi Building Code with 1997 UBC for Provisions of Modal Response Spectrum Analysis Using a Real Building

The study uses an actual building to compare the modal response spectrum analysis results of Saudi Building Code (SBC) and the 1997 Uniform Building Code (UBC) used in Saudi Arabia before the introduction of SBC. A sample of four buildings with reported analysis of comparison between IBC and UBC is taken for confirming the comparison. Eight sample places from SBC map for Saudi Arabia together with two sample places of high seismic activity in USA were taken for the comparisons. The study used software package ETABS in this study for modeling and analysis. The results are dissimilar from the comparisons reported for test places of USA. It is concluded that at most places SBC base shear is higher for both ELFP and MRSA. However, the results cannot be generalized and considered always right. The same is factual for overturning moments. Consequently, we cannot report that SBC is more conservative than UBC for all scenarios.

The complexity feature of crust-mantle boundary in Zhangbei seismic region and its tectonic implication

The ProP waveform data obtained from a deep seismic sounding profile, which ran through Zhangbei seismic region, were processed by means of both seismic wave complexity coefficient and frequency spectrum analysis methods, and the complexity characteristics of crest-mantle boundary beneath the studied area and its adjacent region were determined. The results show that the place below epicenter can be taken as boundary, the northern side of which is Inner Mongolia axis with small complexity coefficient and the southern side of which is Huai＇an basin with large complexity coefficient. The different spectrum patterns at the two sides of the epicenter were inferred from spectrum analysis. In the epicentral area, there have been multi-period magmatic eruptions since Meso-Cenozoic and craters exist at the surface. From the velocity imaging of middle and upper crust in Zhangbei seismic region it can be found that there are crustal low velocity bodies around the craters and also there are low velocity zones, which went into deep crust. It is suggested that the distinct zones of crust-mantle boundary complexity may be the margin, where the magma had intruded due to magma activity in Meso-Cenozoic. The southern side with large complexity coefficient is deep magmatic activity area and the northern side with small complexity coefficient is stable crust-mantle tectonics. The difference of crust-mantle complexity provides deep background for the development of strong earthquake.

The minimal spanning tree method for calculating seismic multi-fractal

There are many methods to calculate seismic fractal at present. However, there are still more or less questions to every method. In this paper, we introduce a new way to calculate seismic fractal-the minimal spanning tree. We make an important improvement for this method. By studying some seismic events of four regions including Wushi, Wusu, Tangshan and Haicheng, we obtain that before the strong earthquake occurrence, the multi-fractal spectrum of the space-time distribution of earthquakes changes from centralized to loose. The result shows that the complexity of fractal structure and the inhomogeneity of the space-time distribution of earthquakes are both increasing. By studying the numerical simulation of point sets, we draw the conclusion that the physical essence of multi-fractal spectrums before and after a strong earthquake occurrence is a changing process from homogeneous to inhomogeneous, from simple to complex.

Comparison between Different Shapes of Structure by Response Spectrum Method of Dynamic Analysis

Several procedures for non-linear static and dynamic analysis of structures have been developed in recent years. In this paper, the response spectrum analysis is performed on two different shapes i.e. regular and irregular shape of structure by using STAAD PRO. And the comparison results are studied and compared accounting for the earthquake characteristics and the structure dynamic characteristics. As the results show that the earthquake response peak values and the main response frequencies are very close and comparable. It can be referred to by the engineering applications.

An alternative approach for computing seismic response with accidental eccentricity

Accidental eccentricity is a non-standard assumption for seismic design of tall buildings. Taking it into consideration requires reanalysis of seismic resistance, which requires either time consuming computation of natural vibration of eccentric structures or finding a static displacement solution by applying an approximated equivalent torsional moment for each eccentric case. This study proposes an alternative modal response spectrum analysis （MRSA） approach to calculate seismic responses with accidental eccentricity. The proposed approach, called the Rayleigh Ritz Projection-MRSA （RRP-MRSA）, is developed based on MRSA and two strategies： （a） a RRf＂ method to obtain a fast calculation of approximate modes of eccentric structures; and （b） an approach to assemble mass matrices of eccentric structures. The efficiency of RRP-MRSA is tested via engineering examples and compared with the standard MRSA （ST-MRSA） and one approximate method, i.e., the equivalent torsional moment hybrid MRSA （ETM-MRSA）. Numerical results show that RRP-MRSA not only achieves almost the same precision as ST-MRSA, and is much better than ETM-MRSA, but is also more economical. Thus, RRP-MRSA can be in place of current accidental eccentricity computations in seismic design.

The dependence of response spectrum on the tectonic ambient shear stress field

It has been analyzed the influence of the tectonic ambient shear stress value on response spectrum based on the previous theory. Based on the prediction equation BJF94 presented by the famous American researchers, CLB20, a new prediction formula is proposed by us, where it is introduced the influence of tectonic ambient shear stress value on response spectrum. BJF94 is the prediction equation, which mainly depends on strong ground motion data from western USA, while the prediction equation SEA99 is based on the strong ground motion data from exten-sional region all over the world. Comparing these two prediction equations in detail, it is found that after BJF94′s prediction value lg(Y) minus 0.16 logarithmic units, the value is very close to SEA99′s one. This case demonstrates that lg(Y) in extensional region is smaller; the differences of prediction equation are mainly owe to the differences of tectonic ambient shear stress value. If the factor of tectonic ambient shear stress value is included into the pre-diction equation, and the magnitude is used seismic moment magnitude to express, which is universal used around the world, and the distance is used the distance of fault project, which commonly used by many people, then re-gional differences of prediction equation will become much less, even vanish, and it can be constructed the uni-versal prediction equation proper to all over the world. The error in the earthquake-resistant design in China will be small if we directly use the results of response spectrum of USA (e.g. BJF94 or SEA99).