UNIT 5 DESIGN METHODOLOGY

Causes of damage – Planning considerations / Architectural concepts as per IS:4326 –

1993 – Guidelines for Earthquake resistant design – Earthquake resistant design for
masonry and Reinforced Cement Concrete buildings – Lateral load analysis – Design and
detailing as per IS:13920 – 1993.

Two marks question and answer

1. What is the formula to find the load factors for plastic design of steel
structures?

In plastic design of steel structures, the following load combinations shall be

accounted for
1. 1.7(DL+IL)
2. 1.7(DL+EL)
3. 1.3(DL+IL+EL)
When Earthquake forces are considered on a structure, these shall be combined
as per Load combination for plastic design of steel structures and partial safety factor
for limit state deign of RC and PSC structures.

2. Write the methods of dynamic analysis of multistoreyed structure as per Indian

Code IS 1893 (1984)
IS 1893 (1984) gives the necessary criteria for the earthquake resistant design of
structures. This code states that structures should withstand without structural damage,
moderate earthquakes and withstand without total collapse under heavy earthquakes.
This code specifies two methods of analysis
1. Seismic co-efficient method
2. Modal analysis or Response Spectrum method

3. Write the IS 13920 provisions for flexural members?

The provisions apply to frame members resisting earthquake induced forces

and designed to resist flexure. These members shall satisfy the following provisions
 The factored axial stress on the member under earthquake loading shall not

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 exceed 0.1fck.
 The member shall preferable have a width to depth ratio more than 0.3
 Width of the member shall not be less than 200mm.
 The depth D of the member shall preferably be not more than ¼ of clear span.

4. What are the methods of improving element level Ductility?

Ductility in element level is generally with reference to the displacement

and moment curvature relationship of a section. This can be generally improved by

 Decreasing the tension steel area, yield stress and strain of the tension steel
increasing the ultimate compressive strain of concrete.
 Increasing the area of compression steel.
 Reduction in the axial compression on the section.
 Provision of effective confinement stirrups, hoops or ties such
that compressive steel does not buckle and concrete is led into three
dimensional state of stress such that its ultimate compressive strain
increases.

5. Define mass irregularity

Mass irregularity is induced by the presence of a heavy mass on a floor, say a
swimming pool. In IS 1893 the mass irregularity has been defined as a situation when
weight of a floor exceeds twice the weight of the adjacent floor.

6. What are the damages due to seismic effects?

Damages due to
1. Liquefaction
2. Ground shaking
3. Structural Vibration
4. Surface faulting
5. Sliding of superstructure on its foundation

7. What is vertical regularity in buildings?

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 All buildings with vertical offsets fall in this category. Also, a building may have
no apparent offset, but its lateral load carrying elements may have irregularity. For
instance, shear wall length may be suddenly reduced.
When building is such that larger dimension is above the smaller dimension, it acts as
an inverted pyramid and is undesirable.

8. Define the structural damage.

Structural damage means a situation where the building's structural support has
been impaired. Structural support includes any vertical and lateral force resisting
systems, such as building frames, walls and columns. Structural damage is the leading
cause of death and economic loss in many earthquakes. This damage is not only to
unreinforced masonry and adobe structures but also to more modern constructions.

9. How damages occur in non-structural elements?

Damage to structural elements may be minor, but roof tiles, exterior finishing,
concrete block fences, etc are extensively damaged even by moderate earthquakes.
Overturning of furniture may injure people, hinder evacuation, cause fires, etc. The
damage to non-structural elements may occur even during minor earthquakes, and
cannot be ignored from an economical point of view.

10. Write the damages in Non-Engineered Buildings?

Most buildings in the world are constructed without any intervention of
engineers. Some examples of so called non-engineered buildings are of adobe (sun-
burned mud block construction), tapial (cast-in-place mud construction) unreinforced
brick masonry and unreinforced stone masonry, etc. Even in Japan, many old wooden
houses may be classified as non-engineered buildings, which do not satisfy current
seismic regulations.

11. Write down the steps to improve Global level Ductility?

(a) Increasing the redundancy of the structure

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 (b) Weak bam and strong column approach.
(c) Avoiding soft first storey effects
(d) Avoiding Non – ductile failure modes like shear, bond and axial
compression at the element level

12. Define lateral load analysis of building system.

Earthquake force is an inertia force which is equal to mass times

acceleration. Mass of the building is mainly located at its floors. Transferring the
horizontal component of seismic force safely to the ground is the major task in
seismic design. The floors should transfer the horizontal force to vertical seismic
elements viz., columns, frames, walls and subsequently to the foundation finally to
the soil.

13. Write a short note on Indian seismic codes IS 1893.

The codes ensure safety of buildings under earthquake excitation IS 1893 –

1962, recommendations for earthquake resistant design of structures. IS 1893 – 1984
the country has divided into five zones in which one can reasonably forecast the
intensity of earthquake shock which will occur in the event of future earthquake.

14. Define the term symmetry in buildings. Why symmetrical forms are preferred
than unsymmetrical forms?
Symmetry denotes a geometrical property of the plan configuration, whereas the
structural symmetry means that the center of mass and the center of resistance are
located at the same point.
In asymmetrical configuration / structural system the eccentricity between the
center of mass and resistance will produce torsion and stress concentration and
therefore the symmetrical forms are preferred to the asymmetrical ones.

15. What are the factors that govern the architectural configurations?
1. Architectural design
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 2. Functional requirements
3. Urban design parameters
4. Planning considerations
5. Aesthetic appearance
6. Identity (distinctiveness)

16. What are the objectives of Earthquake Resistant Design?

1. Resist minor earthquake shaking without damage
2. Resist moderate earthquake shaking without structural damage but possibly with
some damage to non-structural members
3. Resist major levels of earthquake shaking with both structural and nonstructural
damage but the building should not collapse thus endangerment of the lives of
occupants is avoided.

17. List the design principles for earthquake resistant structural systems.
Structural systems should follow the design principles given below. "
1. Be simple
2. Be symmetrical
3. Not be too elongated in plan or too slender in elevation
4. Have continuous and uniform distribution of strength
5. Have horizontal members which form hinges before the vertical, members
6. Have its stiffness related to sub soil properties.

18. Define the term DBE, MCE and MMI.

DBE: Design Basics Earthquake

MCE: Maximum Considered Earthquake
MMI: Mercalli Intensity Scale

19. What is centre of rigidity?

Centre of rigidity is the geometric centre of the relative rigidities of all elements
bracing the structure in both directions. It is also referred as the shear center or center of

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rotation, meaning that during a seismic event the structure would rotate about its center of
rigidity.

20. What is vertical irregularity in buildings?

All buildings with vertical offsets fall in this category. Also, a building may have
no apparent offset, but its lateral load carrying elements may have irregularity. For
instance, shear wall length may be suddenly reduced. When building is such that larger
dimension is above the smaller dimension, it acts as an inverted pyramid and is
undesirable.

21. What is the design philosophy adopted for earthquake resistant structure?
The extreme loading condition caused by an earthquake and also the
low probability of such an event occurring within the expected life of a
structure, the following dual design philosophy is usually adopted

 The structure is designed to resist the expected intensity of ground motion due
to a moderate earthquake so that no significant damage is caused to the basic
structure and

 The structure should also be able to withstand and resist total collapse in the
unlikely event of a severe earthquake occurring during its lifetime.

 The designer is economically justified in this case to allow some marginal

damage but total collapse and loss of life must be avoided.

22. Name the failure pattern of masonry structures during earthquake

1. Out-of-plane flexural and/or out of plane shear failure
2. In-plane shear failure /or in-plane flexure failure
3. Separation of walls at junction
4. Failure of masonry piers between openings
5. Local failures
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 6. Buckling of wythes ,
7. Separation of roof from walls

23. Why strong column weak beam design philosophy is adopted?

The design philosophy for frames is to avoid failure of columns from both axial load
and bending moment considerations. Lack of adequate stiffness or strength in the columns
will lead to formation of plastic hinges in them.
Under such conditions, formation of plastic moment hinges in the beam is preferred to
that in the columns. Hence the design is done as beam .a weaker member than the column.
This concept of designing reinforced, concrete frame is called the strong column - weak
beam design

24. Explain the strong column weak beam method? Nov/Dec 2008
The followings are the major aspect of the strong column and weak beam concept, as
follows:
1. The overall structure is designed so it can develop inelastic structural behavior
2. Column is designed stronger than beam it means during strong earthquake
column member remain elastic so it can provide stability and strength of the
stories above
3. The development of plastic hinge is forms at the end of beam , so the energy
dissipation is occurs in the plastic hinge
4. To ensure the perfect energy dissipation at plastic hinge, plastic hinge region
required special reinforcement detailing (confinement) to improve ductility,
energy absorption capacity and perform inelasticity

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25. Explain two cases of design horizontal earthquake load.

(a) When the lateral resisting elements are oriented along orthogonal horizontal
direction, the structure shall be designed for the effects due to full design
earthquake load in one horizontal direction at time.
(b) When the lateral load resisting elements are not oriented along the orthogonal
horizontal directions, the structure shall be designed for the effect due to full
design earthquake load in one horizontal direction plus 30% of the design
earthquake load in the other direction.

26. Why strong column weak beam design philosophy is adopted?

The design philosophy for frames is to avoid failure of columns from both axial
load and bending moment considerations. Lack of adequate stiffness or strength in the
columns will lead to formation of plastic hinges in them.
Under such conditions, formation of plastic moment hinges in the beam is
preferred to that in the columns. Hence the design is done as beam .a weaker member
than the column. This concept of designing reinforced, concrete frame is called the
strong column - weak beam design

27. Name the different methods to obtain the seismic design force
Time history method, seismic coefficient method and by response spectrum method

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28. Define Drift
The maximum relative displacement between two successive floors due to the
design seismic force should not exceed 0.004 times the storey height. The check is
particularly necessary for buildings greater than 40m in height.

29. What is additive shear?

Additive shear will be super-imposed for a statically applied eccentricity of
±0.05𝑏𝑖 with respect to centre of rigidity.

30. Explain design eccentricity.

The design eccentricity, 𝑒𝑑𝑖 to be used at floor I shall be taken as:

1.5 𝑒𝑠𝑖 + 0.05𝑏𝑖

𝑒𝑑𝑖 = { }
𝑜𝑟 𝑒𝑠𝑖 − 0.05𝑏𝑖

Whichever of these gives the more severe effect in the shear of any frame

Where 𝑒𝑑𝑖 = Static eccentricity

𝑒𝑠𝑖 = defined as the distance between centre of mass and centre of

rigidity

bi = floor plan dimension of floor

31. Write the formula for modal mass (Mk).

The modal mass Mk of mode k is given by:

[∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑊𝑖 𝜙𝑖𝑘 ]2
𝑀𝑘 =
𝑔 ∑𝑛𝑖=1 𝑊𝑖 (𝜙𝑖𝑘 )2

32. Write the formula to calculate the Vertical distributions of base shear to
different floor levels of a multi storeyed building as per IS 1893 (part 1) 2002.
The design base shear (Vb) shall be distributed along the height of the building
as per the following expression
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 Qi - Design lateral force at floor,
Vb - Design base shear
Wi - Seismic weight of the building
hi - Height of floor 1 measured from base and
n - Number of storeys in the building is the number of levels at which masses are
located.

33. Write the steps to improve performance of the structure under earthquake load.
 Increase redundancy is helpful to make the predetermined elements to undergo
large inelastic actions.
 Prevent premature local or member buckling of design elements.
 Ensure that predetermined locations of inelastic actions can sustain expected large
plastic rotations through providing good moment connections.

34. Mention the different types of Ductility?

The different types of ductility are
1. Member ductility for a structural member
2. Structural ductility for a complete structure
3. Storey ductility for a given storey
4. Section ductility for a given section.

35. Explain story drift? Nov/Dec 2012

It is the displacement of one level relative to the other level above or below (or)
The difference in horizontal deflection at the top and bottom of a story.

36. Define Ductility.

Ductility is the capacity of a structure or a member to undergo deformation beyond
yield without losing much of the load carrying capacity. It is the ratio of the ultimate
displacement capacity to the yield displacement.
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37. Write the basic concepts for ductile performance structures.
a) Selection of sound structural configuration with a well defined lateral load resisting
system.
b) Systematic placement of stiff elements with a View to minimize increase in
member forces due to torsion.
c) Availability of direct load path for force transfer from superstructure to soil
medium.
d) Proper detailing of members and joints is very much necessary

38. Mention the different Variable affecting sectional ductility.

The variables that affect sectional ductility include,
a) Material variables such as the maximum usable compressive strain in concrete
and grade of reinforcement.
b) Geometric variables such as the amount of tension and compression
reinforcement and the shape of the section.
c) Loading variables such as the level of axial load accompanying shear.

39. What do you understand by Response reduction factor (R)?

It is the factor by which the actual base shear force that would be generated if
the structure remains elastic, during its response to design basis Earthquake shaking.
It shall be reduced to obtain the design lateral force. Ductile buildings are
designed for seismic forces that are R times lower than the elastic behavior would
require.

40. What is meant by ductility reduction factor?

It is the ratio of maximum force, when the structure remains linearly elastic and
maximum inelastic force in an elasto plastic system.
It is the function of ductility and natural period of a structure. Stiffer structures
with shorter time period would behave in a more ductile manner than any flexible with
large time period structures
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41. Define over strength factor.
It is the ratio of yield force or maximum inelastic force in an elasto plastic
system and design force.

42. What are the factors that contribute the over strength factor?
1. Load factor on seismic and gravity load
2. Material factors
3. Member sizes/reinforcement more than required
4. Special ductile detailing
5. Redundancy
6. Strain hardening in materials
7. Higher material strength under cyclic loads
8. Strength contribution of non-structural members

43. Name two limitations of equivalent static lateral force analysis

The limitations of equivalent static lateral force analysis may be summarised as
follows,
1. In the equivalent static force procedure, empirical relationships are used to
specify dynamic inertial forces as static forces.
2. These empirical formulas do not explicitly account for the dynamic
characteristics of the particular structure being designed or analyzed.

44. What are the advantages of ductility in RC structures?

The advantages of a reinforced concrete structure having sufficient ductility:
1. A ductile reinforced concrete structure may take care of overloading, load
reversals, impact and secondary stresses due to differential settlement of
foundation.
2. A ductile reinforced concrete structure gives the occupant sufficient time to
vacate the structure by showing large deformation before its final collapse.
Accordingly, the loss of life is minimized with the provision of sufficient
ductility.
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 3. Properly designed ductile joints are capable of resisting forces and deformations
at the yielding of steel reinforcement. Therefore, these sections can reach their
respective moment capacities, which is one of the assumptions in the design of
reinforced concrete structures by limit state method.

45. write down seismic design philosophy of IS 4326?

1. Under minor but frequent shaking the main members of the building that carry
vertical and horizontal forces should not be damaged, however building parts
that do not carry load may sustain repairable damage.
2. Under moderate but occasional shaking the main members may sustain
repairable damage.
3. Under strong but rare shaking the main members may sustain severe (even
irreparable) damage, but building does not collapse.

Sixteen marks question and answer

1. Explain the causes of damage on structures?

 The effects of an earthquake are strongest in a broad zone surrounding the
epicenter. Surface ground cracking associated with faults that reach the surface
often occurs, with horizontal and vertical displacements of several yards
common.

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  Such movement does not have to occur during a major earthquake; slight
periodic movements called fault creep can be accompanied by micro
earthquakes too small to be felt.
 The extent of earthquake vibration and subsequent damage to a region is partly
dependent on characteristics of the ground.

1) Direct and Indirect Seismic Effect on Structures

2) Structural damage
3) Earthquake damage to buildings

1) Direct and Indirect Seismic Effect on Structures

The following are the direct seismic effect to structures
1. Damage due to surface faulting
2. Damage due to liquefaction
3. Damage due to ground shaking
4. Damage due to sliding of superstructure on its foundation
5. Damage due to structural vibration

1. Damage due to surface faulting

 The damage due to surface faulting varies widely. It may totally demolish
houses, rupture the foundations, tilt the foundation slabs and walls or may cause
minor damage to the houses.

2. Damage due to liquefaction

 Liquefaction of soil may cause instability due to internal seismic waves and
thereby may significantly damage in form of settlement, tilting and rupture of
the structures.
 The extent of damage depends on properties of soils of different layers, depth of
the water table and the intensity, magnitude and duration of the earthquake.
 Accordingly, there may be either large settlement or differential settlement of
the ground surface.

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 It is always desirable to avoid construction in such areas than to design the
structures following codal provisions, which may be insufficient, though ensure
effective design against vibration of structures due to shaking at the foundation
level.

3. Damage due to ground shaking

 As the state of the art of this subject is still developing, integrated field
inspection of structures damaged by earthquakes and their analyses are useful in
further adding/improving the expert knowledge in the seismic resistant design
and construction.
 Earlier inspections and analysis established the types of foundation,
configurations of structures, materials of construction and design and detailing
of construction. Such data are being continuously updated.

4. Damage due to sliding of superstructure on its foundation

 It is essential that the whole structure and the foundation should work as a unit
especially for the seismic resistant design and construction of structures.
 For this the superstructures should be anchored properly to the foundation.

5. Damage due to structural vibration

 The extent of the damage due to structural vibration depends on the materials of
construction. Wood, reinforced concrete and steel are widely used in civil
engineering structures.
 It is well-known that inertia forces are developed as vibration response of a
structure due to earthquake ground shaking.
 The intensity of such inertia forces is directly proportional to the product of mass
and acceleration. Hence, reduction of mass is very effective to minimize the
inertia forces. In this respect, timber has the maximum advantage as a potential
construction material due to its low mass.
 Concrete, though a heavy material when reinforced with steel bars, has good
strengths both in compression and in tension.

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  Accordingly, reinforced concrete can be used effectively by providing proper
amount of reinforcement and correct detailing of them as they play significant
roles in the seismic resistant design of reinforced concrete structures.
 Steel has the additional advantages of ductility, strength and toughness per unit
weight than concrete.

The indirect effects are Tsunamis, seiches, landslides, floods and fires are the
indirect effects of earthquakes. These may occur either alone or in combinations to add
to the damages during an earthquake

 Damage occurs when structural members are overloaded, or differential movements

between different parts of the structure strain the structural components.
 Larger earthquakes and longer shaking duration tend to damage structures more.
 The level of damage resulting from a major earthquake can be predicted only in
general terms, since two buildings undergo the exact same motions during a seismic
event.
 However, past earthquakes have shown that some buildings are likely to perform
more poorly than others.

STRUCTURAL DAMAGE
 Structural damage means a situation where the building's structural support has
been impaired. Structural support includes any vertical and lateral force resisting
systems, such as building frames, walls and columns.
 Non-structural damage does not affect the integrity of structural system. Examples
of non-structural damage include broken windows, collapsed or rotated chimneys,
and fallen ceilings.
 Structural damage is the leading cause of death and economic loss in many
earthquakes. This damage is not only to unreinforced masonry and adobe structures
but also to more modem constructions. Structures need not collapse to cause death
and damage during earthquakes.

l. Strength of shaking
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 2. Duration of shaking
4. Type of building
3. Type of subsurface conditions

l. Strength of shaking:
 For small earthquakes (magnitude less than 6), the strength of shaking decreases
rapidly with distance from the epicenter of the earthquake.
 In the case of a small earthquake, the center of energy release and the point where
slip begins are not far apart.
 But in the case of large earthquakes, which have a significant length of fault rupture,
these two points may be hundreds of miles apart.
 Thus for large earthquakes, the strength of shaking decreases in a direction away
from the fault rupture.

2. Duration of shaking:
 The duration of shaking depends on how the fault breaks during the earthquake. It
usually varies from 10 see to 1 minute.
 The longer the ground shakes, the greater the potential for structural damage. In
general, the higher the magnitude of an earthquake, the longer the duration of the
shaking ground.
3. Type of subsurface conditions:
 Ground shaking can be increased if a site has a thick deposit of soil that is soft and
submerged.
 Many other subsurface conditions can cause or contribute to structural damage.
There could be structural damage due to the liquefaction of loose submerged sands.

4. Type of building:
 Certain types of buildings and other structures are especially susceptible to the side-
to-side shaking common during earthquakes.

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 For example, sites located near (about 16 km) the epicenter or location of fault
rupture are generally subjected to rough, jerky, high-frequency seismic waves that
are often more capable of causing short buildings to vibrate vigorously.
 For sites located at greater distance, the seismic waves often develop into longer
period waves that are more capable of causing high-rise buildings and buildings
with large floor areas to vibrate vigorously.

EARTHQUAKE DAMAGE TO BUILDINGS

1) Damage to First Storey

2) Damage to Uppermost Story
3) Damage to Mid-Storey
4) Damage to Wooden Buildings
5) Damage to Non-Structural Elements
6) Damage Caused by Soil Failure

1) Damage to First Storey

 Typical earthquake damage to buildings is the collapse of the first story. The top of
a building vibrates most severely when it subjected to earthquake ground motions,
and the seismic force at the top becomes the largest.
 But the seismic force at each story is transmitted from the top to the base, and
eventually to the ground. Consequently, lower stories must sustain the sum of
seismic forces of upper stories.
 The sum of seismic forces from the top to the story concerned is called the "seismic
shear force". Since the seismic shear force becomes the largest at the lowest story,
the collapse of the first story is typical earthquake damage.
 Besides the shear force becomes the largest at the first story, it is usually difficult to
install shear walls, which are very effective against earthquakes, at the first story.
 This is because the first story is frequently used for garages or shops and larger/
space and openings are required.

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 Therefore, the earthquake resistant capacity at the first story tends to be smaller than
upper stories, and the first story collapse is very common during any earthquakes.

2) Damage to Uppermost Story

 The top of a building vibrates most severely during earthquakes, and then the
seismic force at the top becomes the largest. Therefore, the overturning of furniture
concentrates to the upper stories.
 Because of the same reason the collapse of penthouses, appendages and water tanks
at the top of buildings is also frequently observed earthquake damage.

3) Damage to Mid-Storey
 During the Earthquake, several buildings suffered from mid-story collapse, which is
rather rare earthquake damage.
 The reason of the damage is considered that those buildings were designed using an
old seismic code, in which the distribution of seismic forces had not been properly
considered, and also there was structural discontinuity along the height of the
buildings, i.e. the steel frame reinforced concrete for lower stories and reinforced
concrete for upper stories

4) Damage to Wooden Buildings

 Most houses in Japan are made of wood frame construction with shear walls where
braces are installed. The earthquake resistant capacity of those houses depends
mostly on the amount of the shear walls.
 But, it is difficult to install enough shear walls into two (X and Y) directions
especially for a narrow site in urban area. And this is one of the reasons to increase
earthquake damage to those houses.

5) Damage to Non-Structural Elements

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 In many earthquakes, damage to structural elements may be minor, but roof tiles,
exterior finishing, concrete block fences, etc are extensively damaged even by
moderate earthquakes.
 Overturning of furniture may injure people, hinder evacuation, cause fires, etc. The
damage to non-structural elements may occur even during minor earthquakes, and
cannot be ignored from an economical point of View.

6) Damage Caused by Soil Failure

 It has been well known that the earthquake damage to buildings becomes severe in
case they stand on soft soil. When land slide and soil failure occur, buildings may
collapse.
 It is impossible to protect buildings only by increasing the earthquake resistant
capacity of those buildings. Therefore, it is essential to consider the earthquake
resistant capacity and stability of the site, selecting a construction site and
reclaiming land for constructing buildings.

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2. Briefly describe the type of plan irregularities and vertical irregularities of
buildings with neat sketches? May/June 2013

PLAN IRREGULARITIES

 The damages caused by different plan irregularities, during seismic events of

different magnitudes. Although these effects of architectonic and/or structural
configuration have been identified like not adapted in previous damages, have come
maintaining their presence in constructions anywhere in the world.
 Constructions can suffer diverse damages when they are put under seismic
excitations, although for a same structural configuration, region and earthquake,
damages in the systems are neither equal nor homogenous.
 So, they are several factors for these like: structural system, earthquake
characteristics, the quality of the construction, soil of location, and its maintenance
that define the seismic behavior of the structure.

 However, in agreement with the experiences in past and recent earthquakes, most of
the damages are related to architectonic and structural configuration in plant and
elevation and site ground effects.

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 The effects that cause seismic action in irregular structures were observed in many
recent earthquakes.
 Most of literature describes the effects only qualitative, and the codes used some
percentages that limited the structural performance, but not necessary are obtained
with large and deep investigation.

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VERTICAL IRREGULARITIES

 Irregular buildings constitute a large portion of the modern urban infrastructure. The
group of people involved in constructing the building facilities, including owner,
architect, structural engineer, contractor and local authorities, contribute to the
overall planning, selection of structural system, and to its configuration.

 The effects of vertical irregularities in the distributions of mass, stiffness, and

strength are considered separately and in combinations. The seismic response of
irregular structures is assessed by means of elastic and inelastic dynamic analysis.

 A base case structure is developed, and cases that represent irregular structures are
defined by modifying the vertical distribution of mass, stiffness or strength of the
base case.

 Structures are represented by simple single-bay frame models in order to facilitate

interpretation of the response and provide insight into the dynamic behavior.
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 Seismic demands are evaluated in a statistical manner, based on the response of the
structural models to a set of 15 ground motions. Ground motions recorded on rock
or firm soils are used.

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3. Write the step by step procedure for seismic analysis of RC buildings as per IS
1893: 2002? May/June 2013

Step: 1 Determination of natural period of vibration:

 The fundamental natural period of vibration is calculated based on infill balance.
 For a moment resisting frame without infill panel Ta= 0.075h o.75, for a moment
resisting frame with infill panel
Ta=0.75h/√d.

Where,
h= height of the building in ‘m’,
d= base dimension of building in ‘m’

Step: 2 Determination of Important factor:

 Average response acceleration co.eff Sa/g is calculated from the fundamental
natural period of vibration by using clause 6.4.2 in page no.23. IS 1893
 Zone factor is calculated from table 2, page no.16. IS 1893
 Important factor is taken from table 6, clause 6.4.2. IS 1893
 Response reduction factor is taken in table 7, page. No 23. IS 1893

Step: 3 Determination of horizontal seismic coefficient:

 The design horizontal coefficient Ah is calculated by

Code clause 6.4.2

Z = Zone factor
I = Importance factor
(Sa/ g) = Average response acceleration
R = Response reduction factor

Table 1: Zone factor (Z) [Table 2, IS-1893 (2002)]

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Figure 2: Seismic zones of India [Fig. 1, IS-1893 (2002)]

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 Table 2: Importance factor (I) [Table 6, IS-1893 (2002)]

Figure 3: Response spectra for rock and soil sites for 5% damping [Fig. 2, IS-1893 (2002)]

Table 3 Multiplying factors for damping other than 5% [Table 3, IS-1893

(2002)]

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Table 4: Response reduction factor (R) for building systems [Table 7, IS-1893
(2002)]

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Step: 4 Determination of design vertical seismic coefficient
Design vertical seismic coefficient is equal to two-third of the design horizontal
seismic coefficient.

Step: 5 Determination of design base shear

The design base shear VB is determined by using the following formula

VB =Ah.W

where

Ah is the design horizontal seismic coefficient, and

W is the seismic weight of the building

Step: 6 Determination of equivalent lateral load:

The design base shear computed about shall be distributed along the height of the
building by the following formula

Code clause 7.7.1

Analysis of earthquake lateral loads

They are two types
1) Static analysis (or) response spectrum (or) design spectrum
2) Dynamic analysis

1. Static analysis
 For the purpose of determining seismic forces, the country is classified into four
seismic zones. Such as Zone II, III,IV,V
 The design horizontal seismic coefficient Ah for a structure shall be determined by the
following expression
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 Provided that for any structure with T< 0.1 s, the value of Ah will not be taken less
than Z/2 whatever be the value of I/R

T <0.1g, Z/2, I/R

Where,

Z = Zone factor given in Table 2, is for the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE)
and service life of structure in a zone. The factor 2 in the denominator of Z is
used so as to reduce the Maximum Considered Earthquake (MCE) zone factor to
the factor for Design Basis Earthquake (DBE).

I = Importance factor, depending upon the functional use of the structures,

characterized by hazardous consequences of its failure, post-earthquake
functional needs, historical value, or economic importance (Table 6).

R = Response reduction factor, depending on the perceived seismic damage

performance of the structure, characterized by ductile or brittle deformations.
However, the ratio (I/R) shall not be greater than 1.0 (Table 7). The values of R
for buildings are given in Table 7.

Sa /g = Average response acceleration coefficient of srock or soil site as given the fig.

Seismic Weight
Seismic Weight of Floors

The seismic weight of each floor is its full dead load plus appropriate amount of
imposed load, as specified in 7.3.1 and 7.3.2. While computing the seismic weight of
such floor, the weight of columns and walls in any storey shall be equally distributed to
the floors above and below the storey.

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Seismic Weight of Building

The seismic weight of the whole building is the sum of the seismic weights of all
the floors
Design Seismic Base Shear
The total design lateral force or design seismic base shear (VB) along any principal
direction shall be determined by the following expression.

Ah = Design horizontal acceleration spectrum value as per 6.4.2, using the

fundamental natural period TA as per 7.6 in the considered direction of
vibration; and
W = Seismic weight of the building

Fundamental Natural Period

The approximate fundamental natural period of vibration (Ta), in seconds, of all
other buildings, including moment-resisting frame buildings with brick infill panels, may
be estimated by the empirical expression:

H = Height of building, in m,

d = Base dimension of the building at the plinth level, in m, along the considered
direction of the lateral force.

Distribution of Design Force

Vertical Distribution of Base Shear to Different Floor Levels

The design base shear (VB) computed in 7.5.3 shall be distributed along the height of the
building as per the following expression:

Qt = Design lateral force at floor,

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 W{ = Seismic weight of floor,
h{ = Height of floor i measured from base, and
n = Number of storey in the building is the number of levels at which the masses are
located.

Distribution of Design Force

 The earth quake force is an inertial force is caused by ground acceleration of the
building mass
 These force is transfer to the supporting element
 At any floor the earthquake force is the total floor mass times the floor
acceleration
 The amount by which different vertical element share the force depends on the
floor diaphragm, lateral stiffness of the vertical element and torsion in the building
due to eccentricity.
 These design lateral force shall be distributed to various floor levels.

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 Calculation of Design Seismic Force by Static Analysis Method
Problem Statement:

4. Consider a four-storey reinforced concrete office building shown in Fig. The

building is located in Shillong (seismic zone V). The soil conditions are medium stiff
and the entire building is supported on a raft foundation. The R. C. frames are
infilled with brick-masonry. The lumped weight due to dead loads is 12 kN/m2 on
floors and 10 kN/m2 on the roof. The floors are to cater for a live load of 4 kN/m2 on
floors and 1.5 kN/m2 on the roof. Determine design seismic load on the structure as
per new code.

Fig. – Building configuration

Solution:
Design Parameters:
For seismic zone V, the zone factor Z is 0.36 (Table 2 of IS: 1893). Being an
office building, the importance factor, I, is 1.0 (Table 6 of IS: 1893). Building is required
to be provided with moment resisting frames detailed as per IS: 13920-1993.
Hence, the response reduction factor, R, is 5.(Table 7 of IS: 1893 Part 1)

Seismic Weights:

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 The floor area is 15×20=300 sq. m. Since the live load class is 4kN/sq.m, only
50% of the live load is lumped at the floors. At roof, no live load is to be lumped. Hence,
the total seismic weight on the floors and the roof is:
Floors :
W1  W2  W3  300  (12  0.5  4)
 4200 kN
Roof :
W4  300  10
 3000
(clause 7.3.1, Table 8 of IS : 1893 Part 1)

Total Seismic weight of the structure,

W = Wi  3  4200  3000
 15600kN

Fundamental Period:
Lateral load resistance is provided by moment resisting frames infilled with brick
masonry panels. Hence, approximate fundamental natural period:(Clause 7.6.2. of IS:
1893 Part 1)

EL in X-Direction:
0.09h
T
d
0.09 13.8

20
 0.28sec

The building is located on Type II (medium soil).

Sa
From Fig.2 of IS: 1893, for T = 0.28 sec,  2.5
g

ZI S a
Ah 
2R g
0.36 1.0
  2.5
25
 0.09 (Clause 6.4.2 of IS 1893 Part I)

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Design base shear
VB  AhW
 0.09 15600
 1440kN (Clause 7.5.3 of IS :1893 Part1)

Force Distribution with Building Height:

The design base shear is to be distributed with height as per clause 7.7.1. Table 1.1
gives the calculations. Fig. 1.2(a) shows the design seismic force in X-direction for the
entire building.

EL in Y-Direction:
0.09h
T
d
0.09 13.8

15
 0.32sec
Sa
 2.5
g
Ah  0.09

Therefore, for this building the design seismic force in Y-direction is same as that
in the X-direction. Fig. 1.2(b) shows the design seismic force on the building in the Y-
direction.
Table 1.1 – Lateral Load Distribution with Height by the Static Method
Lateral Force at
Wi hi 2
Storey Wi(kN Wi hi 2  (1000) ith Level for EL in
hi (m) Wi hi 2
Level ) direction (kN)
X Y
4 3000 13.8 571.3 0.424 611 611
3 4200 10.6 471.9 0.350 504 504
2 4200 7.4 230.0 0.171 246 246
1 4200 4.2 74.1 0.055 79 79
 1347.3 1000 1440 1440

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 Figure 1.2 – Design seismic force on the building for (a) X – direction, and (b) Y –
direction

5. Plan and elevation of a four-storey reinforced concrete office building is shown in

Fig. The details of the building are as follows.
Number of Storey =4
Zone = III
Live Load = 3 kN/m2
Columns = 450 x 450 mm
Beams = 250 x 400 mm
Thickness of Slab = 150 mm
Thickness of Wall = 120 mm
Importance factor = 1.0
Structure type = OMRF Building
Determine design seismic lateral load and storey shear force distribution.

Page | 37
Solution: Analysis considering stiffness of infill masonry

1. Computation of Seismic weights

(Assuming unit weight of concrete as 25 kN/m3& 22.5 kN/m3 for masonry)
1) Slab:
DL due to self-weight of slab = (22.5 x 22.5 x 0.15) x 25 = 1898.40 kN

2) Beams:
Self weight of beam per unit length = 0.25 x 0.4 x 25 = 2.5 kN/m
Total length = 4x22.5x2 = 180 m
DL due to self weight of beams = (2.5 x 22.5) x 4 x 2 = 450 kN

3) Columns:
Self weight of column per unit length = 0.45 x 0.45 x 25 = 5.0625 kN/m
DL due to self weight of columns (16 No.s) = 16 x 5.0625 x 3.0 = 243 kN

4) Walls:
Self weight of wall per unit length = 0.12 x 3 x 20 = 7.2 kN/m
Total length = 4x22.5x2 = 180 m
DL due to self weight of Walls = 7.2 x 22.5 x 4 = 648 Kn

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5) Live Load [Imposed load] (25 %) = (0.25 x 3) x 22.5 x 22.5 = 380 kN
Load on all floors:
W1=W2=W3= 1898 + 380 + 450 + 243 + 648 = 3619 kN
Load on roof slab (Live load on slab is zero)
W4 = 1898 + 0+450 + (243/2) + (648/2) = 2793.5 kN
Total Seismic weight, W = (3619 x 3) + 2793.5 = 13650.5 kN

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Page | 40
Page | 41
6. For a four storeyed RCC office buildings located in zone V and resting on hard
rock, compute the seismic forces as per IS – 1893 2002 equivalent static procedure.
Height of first is 4.2m and the remaining three stories are of height 3.2m each. Plan
dimensions (length and width) of the structure are 15mx20m. The RCC frames are
infilled with brick masonry.

Dead load on floor 12kN/m2 on floors and 10kN/m2 on roof. Live = 4kN/ m2 on floors
and 1.5kN/ m2 on roof.

Also compute the base shear, neglecting the stiffness of infill walls. Compare the base
shears for the two cases and comment on the result.

Solution

Given data

Floor area = 15×20=300 m2

Dead load: on floor = 12 kN/m2

On roof = 10 kN/m2

Live load: on floor = 4 kN/m2

On roof = 1.5 kN/m2

Note: Only 50% of the live load is lumped at the floors. At roof, no live load is to
be lumped

Zone V, Z = 0.36

Assume SMRF thus, R = 5, Soil type = Hard Rock (Type-I)

Load at floor levels:

Floors: W1= W2 = W3 = [12 + (0.5×4)]×300 = 4200 kN

Roof: W4 =10×300 = 3000 kN

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Total seismic weight:

W = W1+W2 +W3+W4 = (3×4200) + 3000 = 15600 kN

Total height of the building:

h = (3.2×3) + 4.2 = 13.8 m

Page | 43
Page | 44
7. Determine the design horizontal seismic coefficient for an ordinary reinforcement
concrete moment resisting frame hospital building without infill panels for a
damping of 5:1, zone III resting on hard soil. Height of the building is 22m and it is
resting on hard soil.

Solution: Determine of natural period of vibration.

a. For RC moment resisting frame, the fundamental natural period

T = 0.75h0.75
= 0.75 x (22)0.75
T = 0.76s

b. For a natural period of 0.76s, the value of sa/g from Fig. is = 1.35
For Zone III Z = 0.16 (from code book)
I = 1.5 (from code book)
R = 3 (from code book)

c. The design horizontal seismic coefficient is calculated by

ZISa 0.16 X 1.5 X 1.35
Ah    0.054
ZRg 2X 3

Ah  0.054

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8. A three storeyed symmetrical reinforced concrete school building in zone V with
plan dimensions 7m, storey height of 3.5m. Total weight of beams in a storey is
130kN and total weight of slab in a storey 250kN. Total weight of columns in a
storey is 50kN and total weight of walls in the storey is 530kN. Live load = 130kN,
weight of terrace floor is 655kN resting on hard rock. Damping = 5% determine the
base shear and lateral loads of each floor by seismic coefficient method.

Solution:
1) Natural period
0.09h 0.09 X 10.5
T   0.357sec
d 7
2) For T = 0.357s, damping, sa/g = 2.5 (from code book)
Z = 0.36, I = 1.5, R=5
ZISa
3) Design horizontal seismic coefficient h 
2 Rg
0.35 X 1.5 X 2.5
h   0.135
2X 5
4) Seismic weight
Weight of one storey = total weight of beams + columns + slabs + live load
= 130 + 50 + 250 + 530 + 130 kN
= 1090 kN
Weight of terrace = 655 kN
Total weight of building = weight of I + II floor + 655
= 2 X 1090 + 655
= 2835 kN
5) Base shear
Vb  AhXW

= 0.135 X 2835
= 382.725 kN

Page | 46
 6) Equivalent lateral load
Wihi 2
Qi  Vb X
 nj 1Wihj 2

Hi is calculated from base

 W1 h12 
Qi  Vb X  2
W1 h1  W2 h2  W3 h3 
2 2

 655 X 3.52 
 382.725  2
 655 X 3.5  1090 X 7  1090 X 10.5 
2 2

 16.91kN

 1090 X 72 
Q2  382.725  2
 655 X 3.5  1090 X 7  1090 X 10.5 
2 2

 38112.56kN

 1090 X 10.52 
Q3  382.725  2
 655 X 3.5  1090 X 7  1090 X 10.5 
2 2

 253.21kN
The shear distribution of three storeyed building is shown in fig.

9. Briefly explain about the Design and detailing as per IS:13920 – 1993

Page | 47
 Structures situated in high seismic zones require special ductile design and
detailing, Under severe earthquake shaking, it is ensured that the structure designed
should exhibit good ductility, a large lateral deformation and vibrations will be induced,
which results in the formation of plastic hinges at a predetermined locations in the
frames. Ductility is the ability of the structure to undergo large displacements without
collapse, even after the yielding has occurred.
Ductility is the capacity of the building materials, systems or structures to absorb
seismic energy by deforming in the inelastic range. The safety of the building from
collapse is ensured by absorbing energy rather than resisting seismic forces IS 13920 -
1993 gives provisions for ductile detailing of reinforced concrete structures subjected to
seismic forces.

Strong column - Weak beam design

The design philosophy for frames is to avoid failure of columns from both axial
load and bending moment considerations. Lack of adequate stiffness or strength in the
columns will lead to formation of plastic hinges in them. Under such conditions,
formation of plastic moment hinges in the beam is preferred to that in the columns.
The reason is
1. Plastic hinges in beam have higher location capacities than in columns which are used
to increase the ductile behavior of the frame.
2. Failure of a beam generally results in a localized failure, whereas failure of a –e
column can affect the stability of the entire structure.
3. Failure in beam can be easily repaired and strengthened. But the entire structure may
collapse due to the failure of column.
Thus, purposely the design is do.ne as beam a weaker member than the column. This
concept of designing reinforced concrete frame is called the strong column - weak beam
design shown in fig.

Page | 48
Page | 49
10. Explain the Methods of introducing ductility in Reinforced Concrete structure
The main structural elements and their connections shall be designed to have a ductile
failure. This will enable the structure to absorb energy during earthquake, to avoid
sudden collapse of the structure. Providing reinforcing steel in masonry at critical
sections will not only increase strength and stability but also ductility.

Necessity of ductile detailing

Ductile detailing is provided in structures, so as to give them adequate toughness
and ductility to resist severe earthquake shocks without collapse. Ductile detailing is •\
provided when the structure is located in
1. Seismic zone IV and V
2. Seismic zone III and has importance factor I greater than 1
3. Seismic zone III and Is a industrial structure
4. Seismic zone III and is more than 5 storeys high.

Variable affecting ductility in Reinforced Concrete structure

1. Tension steel P,
The ductility of a beam cross section increases as the steel ratio ρ or (ρ - ρo)
decreases. If excessive reinforcement is provided, the concrete will crush before the steel
yields and leads to brittle failure. The ductility is directly affected by the values ρa, σck
and δy, the ultimate stain εu, rate of loading and strengthening effect of stirrups.

2. Compression steel ratio PC,

Compression steel ratio is an important parameter defining the ductility ratio. The
ductility increases with the decrease in (ρ - ρo) value, that is, ductility increases with
increase in compression steel.

Page | 50
3. Shape of cross section
The presence of an enlarged compression flange in T beam reduces the depth of
the compression zone at collapse and thus increases the ductility.

4. Lateral reinforcement
Lateral reinforcement tends to improve the ductility by preventing shear failures
and by confining the compression zone, thus increasing deformation capability of a
reinforced concrete beam.

Ductile detailing for flexural member

Standards provided by IS codes for the design of flexural member are:
1. The factored axial stress on the members under earthquake loading shall not
exceed 0.1 fck.
2. The member shall have preferably, a width to depth ratio of more than 0.3
3. The width of the member shall not be less than 200mm.
4. The depth of the member shall preferably be not less than 1/4 of the clear span.

Longitudinal Reinforcement
1. At least two bars throughout the member length at top and bottom.
2. Positive steel at a joint face must be at least equal to 1/2 the negative steel at that
face
3. Steel provided at each of the top and bottom face of the member at any section
along its length should be at least equal to 1/4 of the maximum negative moment
steel provided at the face of either joint.

The longitudinal bars should be spliced, only if hoops are provided over the entire
splice length, at spacing not exceeding 150mm. For confining the concrete and to support
longitudinal bars

Page | 51
 1. The lap length should not be less than the bar development length in tension
2. Lap splices shall not be provided
a. within a joint
b. Within a distance of 2d from joint face.
3. Within a quarter length of the member where flexural yielding may generally
occur under the effect of earthquake forces.
4. Not more than 50% of the bars shall be spliced at one section and the lap spice in
beam is shown in Fig.

Fig: Lap splice in beams

Beam Reinforcement
The spacing of hoops over a length of 2 x d at either end of a beam shall not
exceed
1. d/4
2. 8 times the diameter of the smallest longitudinal bar (It must not be less
than 100mm) shown Fig.

Page | 52
 Fig: Beam reinforcement

Transverse reinforcement
 Transverse reinforcement for circular columns shall consist of spiral or circular hoops.
In rectangular columns, rectangular hoops are used.
 A rectangular hoop is a closed stirrup having a 1350 hook with a 10 diameter
extension (but not less than 75mm) at each end, that is embedded in the confined core.
 The parallel legs of rectangular hoop shall be spaced not more than 300mm centre to
centre. If the length of any side of the hoop exceeds 300mm a crosstie shall be
provided as shown in Fig. Alternatively, a pair of overlapping hoops may be provided
within the columns.
 The hoops shall engage peripheral longitudinal bars.

Page | 53
 Fig: Transverse reinforcement in column

Special Confining Reinforcement

Special confining reinforcement shall be provided over a length lo from each joint
face, towards mid span and on either side of any section, where flexural yielding may
occur under the effect of earthquake forces as shown in Fig. the length lo shall not be less
than

Page | 54
 Fig: column and joint detailing

1. Larger lateral dimension of the member at the section where yielding occurs.
2. 1/6 of clear span of the member and
3. 450mm

Page | 55
 Fig: Special Confining Reinforcement in Footings
Columns supporting reactions from discontinued stiff members such as walls,
shall be provided with special confining reinforcement over their full height shown in
Fig.

Page | 56
 Fig: Special Confining Reinforcement for Column under Discontinued Walls

This variation in stiffness may result due to the presence of bracing, a mezzanine
floor or a RCC wall on either side of the column that extends only over a part of the
column height as shown in Fig

Fig: Columns with varying Stiffness

The spacing of hoops used as special confining reinforcement shall not exceed 'l4
of minimum member dimension but need not be less than 75mm nor more than 100mm.

Page | 57
Subject Code/Name: CE 2403 / Basics of Dynamics and Aseismic Design

Unit-5 Important Two Mark Questions

1. What is the main function of base isolators?

2. What is meant by energy dissipation capacity?
3. How to reduce the earthquake effects on building?
4. What is shear flexure failure?
5. What do you mean by seismic dampers?
6. Explain story drift?
7. What is the concept of base isolation?
8. What is the information required for the seismic evaluated building?
9. Why is base isolation effective?
10. Explain the strong column weak beam method?
11. What are the methods of improving element level Ductility?
12. Write a short notes on Review of Indian Code IS 1893 (1984)
13. Write down the steps to improve Global level Ductility?
14. Define lateral load analysis of building system
15. Write a short note on Indian seismic codes.
16. Explain design eccentricity.
17. Write the formula for modal mass (Mk).
18. Explain two cases of design horizontal earthquake load
19. What is the information required for the seismic evaluated building?
20. What is the design philosophy adopted for earthquake resistant structure?

Page | 58
 Unit-5 Important Sixteen Mark Questions

1. Explain the causes of damage on structures?

2. Briefly describe the type of plan irregularities and vertical irregularities of buildings
with neat sketches? May/June 2013
3. Write the step by step procedure for seismic analysis of RC buildings as per IS 1893:
2002? May/June 2013
4. Consider a four-storey reinforced concrete office building shown in Fig. The building
is located in Shillong (seismic zone V). The soil conditions are medium stiff and the
entire building is supported on a raft foundation. The R. C. frames are infilled with
brick-masonry. The lumped weight due to dead loads is 12 kN/m2 on floors and 10
kN/m2 on the roof. The floors are to cater for a live load of 4 kN/m2 on floors and 1.5
kN/m2 on the roof. Determine design seismic load on the structure as per new code.
5. Plan and elevation of a four-storey reinforced concrete office building is shown in
Fig. The details of the building are as follows.
6. For a four storeyed RCC office buildings located in zone V and resting on hard rock,
compute the seismic forces as per IS – 1893 2002 equivalent static procedure. Height
of first is 4.2m and the remaining three stories are of height 3.2m each. Plan
dimensions (length and width) of the structure are 15mx20m. The RCC frames are
infilled with brick masonry. Dead load on floor 12kN/m2 on floors and 10kN/m2 on
roof. Live = 4kN/ m2 on floors and 1.5kN/ m2 on roof. Also compute the base shear,
neglecting the stiffness of infill walls. Compare the base shears for the two cases and
comment on the result.

7. 17. Determine the design horizontal seismic coefficient for an ordinary reinforcement
concrete moment resisting frame hospital building without infill panels for a damping

Page | 59
 of 5:1, zone III resting on hard soil. Height of the building is 22m and it is resting on
hard soil.
8. A three storeyed symmetrical reinforced concrete school building in zone V with plan
dimensions 7m, storey height of 3.5m. Total weight of beams in a storey is 130kN and
total weight of slab in a storey 250kN. Total weight of columns in a storey is 50kN
and total weight of walls in the storey is 530kN. Live load = 130kN, weight of terrace
floor is 655kN resting on hard rock. Damping = 5% determine the base shear and
lateral loads of each floor by seismic coefficient method.
9. Briefly explain about the Design and detailing as per IS:13920 – 1993
10. Methods of introducing ductility in Reinforced Concrete structure

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