Seismic design of R/C buildings with the aid of advanced analytical techniques

A seismic design procedure considering performance criteria for two distinct limit states is presented, involving analysis of a feasible partial inelastic model of the structure using currently available powerful tools. The procedure is developed in a format appropriate for incorporation into modern design codes, such as the Eurocode 8, and two alternatives are explored, one involving time-history analysis for appropriately scaled input motions, and a simpler one involving inelastic static (pushover) analysis. The proposed method is found to lead to better seismic performance than the standard code procedure, at least in the case of regular multistorey reinforced concrete frame structures studied herein, and in addition leads to a more economic design of transverse reinforcement in the members that develop very little inelastic behaviour even for very strong earthquakes.