Deep Dive — Core Concepts in Eurocode 8 (Part 1)
Design Seismic Action & Design Spectrum
The design seismic action is the ground shaking intensity we must design for. In Eurocode 8, it is
represented by the design spectrum Sd(T), which gives the maximum horizontal acceleration at
each vibration period T. Key terms: agR (reference ground acceleration), γI (importance factor), ag
(design ground acceleration), Soil Factor S, corner periods TB,TC,TD, and Behaviour Factor q. This
spectrum links seismology to structural design, giving you the base for computing seismic forces.
Behaviour Factor (q)
The behaviour factor q reduces elastic seismic demand to account for ductility and overstrength:
Sd,inelastic = Sd,elastic / q. It lets you design for lower forces but requires detailing to ensure ductile
performance. Typical q for RC frames (DCM) ≈ 3.0, modified for irregular buildings (q × 0.8).
Ductility Classes (DCL, DCM, DCH)
Ductility class defines allowable plastic deformation capacity: - DCL: Low ductility, nearly elastic. -
DCM: Medium ductility, balanced cost & safety. - DCH: High ductility, strictest detailing but allows
highest q. Choice affects q-values, reinforcement detailing, and construction effort.
Structural Analysis Methods
Eurocode 8 allows: 1. Equivalent Static Method — simple, for regular low-rise buildings. 2. Modal
Response Spectrum Analysis (RSA) — for general/taller/irregular buildings. 3. Nonlinear Methods
— pushover or time-history, for performance-based design. Your choice affects force distribution
and design economy.
Regularity (Plan & Elevation)
Regular buildings have smooth mass/stiffness distribution, no soft storeys, no large re-entrant
corners. Regularity allows use of simpler analysis (static method) and full q-values. Irregular
buildings require RSA and reduced q.
Capacity Design
Capacity design ensures ductile failure mechanism: plastic hinges form in beams, columns remain
elastic. Includes: - Strong-column/weak-beam rule: ΣMRd,col ≥ 1.3 ΣMRd,beam. - Overstrength
factors γRd applied in shear design. This prevents brittle failure and ensures global ductile behavior.
Damage Limitation (SLS)
Eurocode 8 also checks serviceability: inter-storey drift ≤ 0.005h to limit non-structural damage and
keep the building functional after moderate earthquakes.
Summary Table — Cheat Sheet
Concept Definition (Short) Why it Matters
Design Spectrum Max accel vs period (inelastic) Basis for seismic forces
Behaviour Factor (q) Force reduction for ductility Allows economy but needs detailing
Ductility Classes Low/Medium/High ductility Decides detailing & q-values
Analysis Methods Static, RSA, Nonlinear How forces are calculated
Regularity Smooth mass/stiffness distribution Allows simple analysis & full q
Capacity Design Strong-column/weak-beam philosophy Ensures ductile collapse mechanism
Damage Limitation Drift limits (SLS) Protects non-structural elements
