Seismicity and Seismic Design

TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION AND CHARACTERIZATION OF SEISMIC ACTIVITY What is an earthquake? Definition. Causes and effects. Regions of high seismicity around the world Characterization of seismic action. Concept of PGA. Earthquake levels, return periods, and seismic hazard curves. Definition of response spectra. Local geology and amplification factors. Liquefaction Importance coefficients Consideration of seismic action in design. Vertical seismic action, associated mass, combination of seismic action TEACHING UNIT 2. ANALYSIS METHODS Introduction to modal analysis Seismic-resistant design methodology. Step-by-step guide Static linear analysis (i). Equivalent lateral force method Dynamic linear analysis (ii). Spectral and modal-spectral analysis Nonlinear analysis. Pushover analysis and time-history analysis using accelerograms TEACHING UNIT 3. SEISMIC-RESISTANT DESIGN. METHODOLOGY AND REQUIREMENTS Basic design criteria in seismic zones Ductility. Behavior factors Ductile design requirements for reinforced concrete Ductile design requirements for steel structures Displacement evaluation. Seismic joints and separation of adjacent structures Gravity and Retaining Structures. Pseudo-static Analysis: Seismic Design and Formulation of Earth Pressures Seismic-Resistant Design Strategy. Dissipation vs. Isolation TEACHING UNIT 4. APPLICATION. PRACTICAL CASES Application Example. Structural Design of an Earth Retaining Wall Application Example. Design of a Reinforced Concrete Building. Application of the Modal Spectral Method Bibliography, Reference Standards, and Guidelines