Seismic Design of Low-Rise Steel Buildings

The behavior of selected low-rise steel buildings subjected to earthquake base motions has been studied, and recommended techniques for the earthquake resistant design of low-rise buildings have been presented. The seismic response of buildings of practical proportions when subjected to seismic response of buildings of practical proportions when subjected to seismic excitation was determined using inelastic time-history analysis. Practical methods of analysis, specifically the modal method and the quasi-static building code (equivalent lateral force) approach, have been evaluated for use in estimating seismic response. For practical design purposes it is suggested that the quasi-static approach for calculating shear distribution, overturning moments, and displacements be employed. Practical guidelines leading to building design that can resist earthquake base motion with an adequate margin of reserve strength are presented. The study demonstrates that it is possible and desirable to employ modern principles of earthquake engineering for low-rise buildings with simple framing systems.