Seismic Conceptual Design Report

Student No: 2019521470202

Name: Ekanayaka Mudiyanselage Chinthaka Dilshan Ekanayaka

Introduction
Basic decisions made in the initial stages of designing a building Structure usually plays an integral
part when determining how successful it is. The finished building achieves its performance
objectives in an earthquake. When considering to the approach of Seismic design, designers must
get a black and white image on the area where they are planning to make their constructions. By
getting an overview of the background image on the area, it paves the way for understanding
oncoming major hazards and impacts that may be occur in the future. In parallel, performance
based requirement which need for the retaining seismic codes must be established in accordance
to the appropriate response to the threats and risks occurred by natural hazards on the building’s
mission and occupants. When responding to a certain threat, each building has its own seismic
design. Therefore, the designing team must consider on the general understanding of the seismic
design process of the relevant building as the threats as earthquakes release dynamic forces.

Seismic design concepts

A degree of seismic resilience can be achieved by applying a sound understanding of structural
engineering and construction principles to the structural elements and system that make up the
building. There are several fundamental concepts that the designer can draw on to achieve this
goal.

Designing a building is a complex and specialist undertaking that is well beyond the scope of this
guidance, but a few of the basic concepts are briefly introduced here. In each case, the nuances,
complexities and engineering understanding that make these systems feasible in practice has
been simplified. In any real-world situation, it is important to seek proper advice from a
professional structural engineer before any work is undertaken.

Real buildings usually integrate several different techniques at the same time to limit seismic
forces, and a typical medium or high-rise reinforced concrete structure, for example, may use
several of these concepts at the same time.

Seismic resilience can be achieved by applying a sound understanding of structural engineering

and construction principles to the structural elements and systems that make up the building.
There are several basic concepts that can be used by the designer to achieve this goal.
Ideas
There are two types of seismic conceptual design: strict or traditional seismic conceptual design
and generalized seismic conceptual design.
The strict conceptual designs are usually derived directly from engineering practice and/or
lessons learned from earthquake damage, whereas the generalized conceptual designs are
derived from a series of visions aimed at realizing the seismic codes' general objectives. The strict
conceptual designs (traditional conceptual designs) are essential elements of seismic codes in
ensuring the safety of designed structures, while the generalized conceptual designs play critical
roles in directing to more advanced and effective seismic codes.

Ways
 Structural Simplicity for Seismic Design:
The provision of an obvious, simple, and straightforward load path to transfer seismic forces from
different parts of the structure to its foundation is referred to as structural simplicity. Not only
must the load path be clear and simple, but its components must also have adequate stiffness,
ductility, and strength. This requirement should be reviewed by a structural designer who is also
responsible for designing the load path. One of the significant benefits of a direct load path is
that it helps to reduce doubts and uncertainty in the evaluation of strength, ductility, and
dynamic behavior. In contrast, a complicated load path is more likely to cause stress
concentration and complicate the estimation of structure strength, ductility, and dynamic
response. It should be remembered that acceptable structures with complex load paths are
possible to design.

 Structural Uniformity, Redundancy and Symmetry:

It has been demonstrated that if a structure's strength, stiffness, and mass are distributed
symmetrically and uniformly in elevation and plan, it will perform far better seismically than a
structure that does not have such properties. It prevents the formation of soft storey in the
structure by ensuring strength and stiffness uniformity in elevation. It should be noted that non-
uniformity does not necessarily imply poor seismic performance; for example, if such a structure
is seismically isolated, it will exhibit satisfactory seismic performance.
In terms of building plan uniformity, it would eliminate torsional response and thus improve the
structure's dynamic performance. It is recommended to introduce joints to create regular shapes
in structures with irregular shapes, such as T shapes, as shown below.

The figures below explain regular plan shapes, which are preferred plan shapes for buildings in
seismic areas, and irregular plan shapes, which should be avoided in seismic areas unless proper
seismic joints are provided, as in the figures above.
  Bi-Directional Resistance and Stiffness of Structures during Earthquakes:
Because seismic loads on both horizontal axes of structures are typically similar, it is
recommended that similar resistant systems be provided in both directions. As a result, the
structural members must be configured orthogonally to ensure similar resistance properties in
both major directions.

 Torsional Resistance and Stiffness of Structures:

During earthquakes, lateral torsional deformation may occur, stressing various structural
members in an uneven manner. The eccentricity between the center of mass and stiffness is the
cause of lateral torsional motion. As a result, this issue must be addressed during the design
phase.

 Adequacy of Diaphragms at Each Storey Level:

The influence of diaphragms on a structure's seismic response is critical. It not only transfers
seismic inertia load to vertical structure members, but it also prevents significant lateral
movement of such vertical elements. In order for the floors to function properly, adequate in
plan stiffness must be provided. Furthermore, attention to the joint between the floors and the
vertical structural members. These measures are especially important if there is a large opening
diaphragm or if the floor shape is significantly long in plan. Finally, if the floor is made of precast
concrete, sufficient bearing must be provided to prevent bearing loss during earthquakes.

 Adequate Foundations for Earthquake Resistant Structures:

It is necessary to design and build the foundation, as well as its connection to the superstructure,
so that the entire structure experiences uniform excitation during earthquakes. As a result,
proper linkage between individual piles, such as slabs or beams between piles, is recommended.
Furthermore, when the superstructure is made up of discrete walls of varying stiffness, a tough
cellular foundation is recommended.

Facts
Following factors influence and are influenced by the building's design. It is critical that the design
team understands these factors and addresses them wisely during the design phase.
Every object and every building has a center of mass, a point at which the object (building) can
be balanced without rotating. If the mass is distributed uniformly, the geometric center of the
floor and the center of mass might coincide. Uneven mass distribution will cause the center of
mass to be located outside of the geometric center, resulting in "torsion" and stress
concentrations. Torsion is an unavoidable component of all building designs. A symmetrical
arrangement of masses, on the other hand, will produce balanced stiffness in either direction
while keeping torsion within a manageable range.
Buildings are typically poor resonators for dynamic shock and vibration dissipation. The amount
that natural vibration is absorbed is known as damping.
A material's ability to bend, flex, or move is known as ductility. However, ductility only gives out
after significant deformation has taken place. Non-ductile materials, such as inadequately
reinforced concrete, crumble abruptly. Carefully designed joints can result in good ductility.
A material's strength is its ability to resist and bear applied forces within a safe limit. The stiffness
of a material is its resistance to deflection or drift (drift being a horizontal story-to-story relative
displacement).
Building Configuration, which includes the size, shape, and other structural and nonstructural
components of the building. The distribution of seismic forces within the structure, their relative
magnitude, and any problematic design considerations are all influenced by the configuration of
the building.

Site condition analyzing

The primary determining factors for the entire design process are the site's geography and
physical characteristics.
Take into account mission-critical or business-continuity seismic risks on nearby sites or
elsewhere that could make the project site inaccessible, result in the loss of utilities, pose a fire
risk, or release toxic materials onto the site. Investigate the subsurface for loose soils or
uncontrolled fill that could amplify ground motion. Hard, dense soils maintain their stability
better, and the most predictable and earthquake-safe building foundation is solid, dense rock.

Establish Seismic Design Objectives

It is advised to establish seismic design objectives based on performance. By reacting to the
largest considered earthquake, this establishes a level of predictable building behavior. The level
of performance required for the construction project can be determined using a
threat/vulnerability assessment and risk analysis.
Comply with local building codes that guarantee "Life Safety," which means that while the
building may eventually collapse, it won't do so immediately after an earthquake, Design for
reparable structural damage, required building evacuation, and tolerable business loss for a
predetermined number of days, Plan for reparable nonstructural damage, partial or complete
evacuation, and tolerable business interruption for a predetermined period of time due to repair,
Design for structural damage that can be repaired, no need for evacuation, and a tolerable loss
of business for a predetermined number of days due to repair, No structural damage, repairable
nonstructural damage, evacuation is not necessary, and a reasonable amount of business is lost
during the required number of repair days are some suggested seismic design performance goals.

Select or design the Proper Structural Systems

The most suitable structural system and related building systems for the project can be decided
upon using seismic design objectives.
To ensure ductility and natural damping, maintain damages to a small and repairable range, and
ensure structural and architectural detailing and construction quality control, it is crucial.
Without the prudent use of energy-dissipating tools, the possibility of structural and
nonstructural damage is not likely to be completely eliminated. An additional energy-dissipating
device will cost between one and two percent of the overall structural cost. Particularly when
compared to the building's life-cycle cost, this is not a significant sum. The cost is minimal over
the course of a 30–50 year life cycle.

Seismic Effects on Buildings

The forces that earthquakes place on buildings are calculated using the seismic measures
mentioned above. The Inertial Force (FInertial), which is produced when buildings experience
ground shaking (pushing up and down, sideways, and back again), is what ultimately causes the
majority of seismic damage.
FInertial = Mass (M) X Acceleration (A)
And this is Seismic Terminology.
The amount of internal inertial forces produced increases with building mass (weight). In seismic
design, lighter materials and less mass are typically advantageous. Greater lateral forces
produced by greater mass increase the likelihood of columns shifting, being out of plumb, and/or
buckling under vertical load (P delta Effect).
Waves produced by earthquakes can be slow and long or quick and abrupt. The period of the
wave is measured in seconds and is the inverse of the frequency. Every object, including
structures, has a fundamental or natural period at which they vibrate when struck by a shock.
Although other aspects of the building design may also have a minor impact on the mitigation
measures, the natural period is the main factor for seismic design. The building will "resonate"
and its vibration will "amplify" several times if the shock wave's period and the natural period of
the structure coincide.

Seismic Design Strategies and Devices

Diaphragms:
For the purpose of transferring lateral forces to vertically resisting elements like walls or frames,
floors and roofs can act as rigid horizontal planes, or diaphragms.

Shear Walls:
Shear walls are strategically positioned stiffened walls that can transmit lateral forces from floors
and roofs to the foundation.

Braced Frames:
Frames that support foundations vertically and transmit lateral loads from floors and roofs.
Braced Frames are used in places where shear walls are impractical because they, too, are made
to withstand lateral loads.

Moment Resistant Frames:

Moment-resistant frames have column/beam joints that are made to withstand both shear and
bending, which eliminates the space restrictions of solid shear walls or braced frames. Taking
advantage of the ductility of steel, the column/beam joints are carefully designed to be stiff yet
allow some deformation for energy dissipation (reinforced concrete can be designed as a
Moment-Resistant Frame as well).

Energy-Dissipating Devices:
Increasing the building's resistance will increase shaking, which could harm the building's
function or its contents. To reduce shaking, energy-dissipating devices are used. If ductile
materials undergo controlled deformation, energy will dissipate. Eccentric Bracing is one
technique that uses controlled deformation of framing members to release energy. However,
this won't stop or lessen damage to the building's contents. Energy dissipating equipment that
works like shock absorbers in a moving car is a more direct solution. The building will "ride out"
the shaking within a tolerable range as the period is lengthened.

Base Isolation:
In order to absorb shock, this seismic design strategy involves separating the building from the
foundation. The building moves more slowly as the ground shifts because the isolators absorb
most of the shock. To prevent overturning, the building must be designed to function as a unit,
or "rigid box," and have flexible utility connections to allow for movement at its base. Base
isolation is the most straightforward to include in a new building's design. Existing structures
might need modifications to make them more rigid so they can move together with the
foundations separated from the superstructure so that the Base Isolators can be inserted.
Horizontal displacement requires additional room (a "moat") (the whole building will move back
and forth a whole foot or more). Base isolation retrofit is an expensive procedure that is typically
appropriate in buildings with high asset values. Depending on the installation, building occupants
may need to be partially or completely removed.
Natural rubber, high-damping rubber, or another elastomer combined with metal components
make up elastomeric isolators. Additionally employed, Frictive Isolators are primarily made of
metal components.
Tall structures cannot be base-isolated because they would topple. Their horizontal displacement
needs to be controlled because, in comparison to low-rise buildings, they are very flexible.
Dampers, which absorb a significant portion of the energy and make the displacement tolerable,
can be used to achieve this. If the application is external or does not interfere with the occupants,
retrofitting existing buildings with dampers is frequently simpler than doing so with base isolators.
There are many types of dampers used to mitigate seismic effects like Metal deformation is used
by hysteric dampers, An elastomer is stretched by viscoelastic dampers in conjunction with metal
components, In frictional dampers, metal or other surfaces are used, Fluid is compressed by
viscous dampers in a piston-like device, Elastomeric and metal or other parts are combined in
hybrid dampers to produce a damping effect.

Most important characteristics for Earthquake-resistant building designs that

influence their structural integrity

 Stiffness and Strength:

Professionals in the field of safety advise including enough vertical and lateral stiffness and
strength when designing earthquake-resistant buildings.
  Regularity:
When pushed in lateral directions, the building will move according to this characteristic. Building
designers and safety experts want the structure to move evenly in order to disperse the energy
without exerting too much force on one side or the other. A building's weaknesses will be visible
when it sways if it is irregular. The structure will be compromised because of the weakness and
the concentrated damage it will sustain.

 Redundancy:
Possibly one of the most crucial safety characteristics to consider when designing for safety,
ensures that multiple strategies are in place in the event that one fails. These can potentially
increase the cost of the building, but they prove useful if/when a natural disaster, such as an
earthquake, occurs. Safety experts recommend distributing mass and strength evenly throughout
the structure so that strength is not solely dependent on one factor.

 Foundations:
Regardless of the risk of a natural disaster, constructing a large structure requires a solid
foundation. The long-term survival of a structure depends on it, and a stronger foundation is
required to withstand an earthquake's powerful force. Different areas have distinctive
foundational qualities that specify how the base of a structure should be reinforced. Before
building, experts must carefully monitor how the ground responds and moves. Buildings built to
withstand strong earthquakes have driven piles and deep foundations. The foundations are
connected so that they move together as a unit to stabilize these extreme measures.

 Continuous Load Path:

The structural and nonstructural elements of a building must be connected in order for inertial
forces to dissipate, which ties into the stable foundation feature. Instead of the quake tearing
the foundation apart, there are numerous points of strength and redundancy that combine to
share the force. Safety experts, architects, and engineers must be mindful of this continuous load
path characteristic during design. If the structure's components are not thoroughly connected,
they will move independently, putting it in danger of collapsing. The lateral and vertical
movement of the earthquake through the structure is represented by the continuous load path.
The path must be clear and unobstructed in order to disperse an earthquake's strong tremors.
Non-structural Components and Damage Control
Non-structural items are any items that are not part of the structural system, include such
building elements as Exterior cladding and curtain walls, Parapet walls, Canopies and marquees,
Chimneys and stacks, Partitions, doors, windows, Suspended ceilings, Routes of exit and entrance,
Mechanical, Plumbing, Electrical and Communications equipment, Elevators, Furniture and
equipment. These components may change the stiffness, bearing capacity, and force
transmission of the entire structure or some components during seismic action, produce
unexpected seismic effects, or cause unforeseen local damages. As a result, proper handling of
these nonstructural components, such as the connection with the main body of the structure,
should be designed and built to withstand seismic action and improve building seismic reliability.

Importance of Seismic Conceptual Design

When creating a structure that will be subject to earthquake ground motions, structural analysis
is essential to ensure that the facility will continue to function and fulfill its intended function
even after an earthquake. This process is known as seismic design.
Seismic engineering has changed over time; tools like ETABS, STAAD Pro, ROBOT, TEKLA, and
others have automated the complexity of analysis, which once required many iterations of
formulas. These tools produce beneficial effects such as, but are not limited to, safe, stable, and
long-lasting structures as well as design optimization and cost-effective structures.
In comparison to residential or commercial structures, hospital and educational buildings have a
high importance factor that ranges from 25 to 50 percent.
By using various structural systems, such as seismic isolation, energy dissipation, and active
control, a building's seismic resistance can be increased. These systems improve seismic behavior
of a building by dissipating lateral forces without harming the structural components. The spread
of unconventional civil engineering materials and methods will be facilitated by the development
of new structural systems and devices. The behavior when simulated for seismic design
conditions is better represented by adopting such sophisticated system approaches based on
dynamic analysis.
Conclusion
A major factor in determining the structural behavior and seismic vulnerability of buildings is the
conceptual design and detailing of the structural elements (walls, columns, etc), as well as the
non-structural elements (partition walls, etc). The subsequent calculations and the engineer's
detailed design cannot make up for errors and flaws in the conceptual design. Furthermore, in
order to achieve a good earthquake resistance without incurring appreciable additional costs, a
seismically correct conceptual design is required.