Statistical insight into constant-ductility design using a non-stationary earthquake ground motion model

A recently developed earthquake ground motion model non-stationary in both intensity and frequency content is validated at the inelastic Single-Degree-Of-Freedom (SDOF) structural response level. For the purpose of this study, the earthquake model is calibrated for two actual earthquake records. The objective of a constant (or target) displacement ductility used in conventional earthquake-resistant design is examined from the statistical viewpoint using this non-stationary earthquake model. The non-linear hysteretic structural behaviour is modelled using several idealized hysteretic SDOF structural models. Ensemble-average inelastic response spectra corresponding to various inelastic SDOF response (or damage) parameters and conditioned on a constant displacement ductility response are derived from the two identified stochastic ground motion models. The effects of the type of hysteretic behaviour, the structural parameters, the target displacement ductility factor, and the ground motion model on the statistics of the inelastic response parameters are thoroughly investigated. The results of this parametric study shed further light on the proper interpretation and use of inelastic response or damage parameters in earthquake-resistant design in order to achieve the desirable objective of ‘constant-damage design’. © 1997 by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inelastic seismic spectra including a damage criterion: A stochastic approach

In this paper, a stochastic approach for obtaining damage-based inelastic seismic spectra is proposed. The Park and Ang damage model, which includes displacement ductility and hysteretic energy, is adopted to take into account the cumulative damage phenomenon in structural systems under strong ground motions. Differently from previous studies in this field, damage-based seismic spectra are obtained by means of peak theory of stochastic processes. The following stochastic inelastic seismic spectra are constructed and then analyzed: damage-based displacement and acceleration inelastic spectra, damage-based response modification factor spectra, damage-based yield strength demand spectra and damage-based inelastic displacement ratio spectra.     

Evaluation of site‐dependent constant‐damage design spectra for reinforced concrete structures

An investigation on the validity of the conventional design approach known as constant displacement ductility is carried out. The hysteretic behaviour described by the Modified Takeda model is taken to represent the characteristics of reinforced concrete structural systems. The results presented in the form of seismic damage spectra indicate that the conventional design approach may not be valid because cumulative damage is excessively high. The inelastic design spectra based on the constant‐damage concept are proposed in terms of simplified expressions. The expressions are derived from constant‐damage design spectra computed by non‐linear response analysis for SDOF systems subjected to ground motions recorded on rock sites, alluvium deposits, and soft‐soil sites. The proposed expressions, which are dependent on the local soil conditions, are functions of target seismic damage, displacement ductility ratio and period of vibration. The seismic damage of structures that have been designed based on this new design approach is also checked by a design‐and‐evaluation approach. The results are found to be satisfactory. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A damage-based definition of effective peak acceleration

This paper presents a rational basis for obtaining the Effective Peak Acceleration (EPA) of a given ground motion process. The proposed formulation considers the statistical variability in the ground motion, and is centred on the idea of explicitly linking EPA with expected cumulative damage in the structures due to the inelastic excursions. The structural behaviour has been modelled by a Single-Degree-Of-Freedom (SDOF) bilinear hysteretic oscillator. EPA is considered to be the expected PGA of a scaled ground motion process such that this oscillator undergoes a specified expected damage under the unscaled process if it is linearly designed for the scaled process. For estimation of the damage, the oscillator has been replaced by an equivalent linear oscillator through stochastic averaging. A parametric study has been carried out to investigate the dependence of EPA on several governing parameters, and it has been shown that despite the strong dependence of EPA on oscillator time period, it may be possible to obtain ‘period-averaged’ EPA values for several ground motion processes for engineering applications. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Gaussian mixture–based equivalent linearization method (GM-ELM) for fragility analysis of structures under nonstationary excitations

Gaussian mixture–based equivalent linearization method (GM-ELM) is a recently developed stochastic dynamic analysis approach which approximates the random response of a nonlinear structure by collective responses of equivalent linear oscillators. The Gaussian mixture model is employed to achieve an equivalence in terms of the probability density function (PDF) through the superposition of the response PDFs of the equivalent linear system. This new concept of linearization helps achieve a high level of estimation accuracy for nonlinear responses, but has revealed some limitations: (1) dependency of the equivalent linear systems on ground motion intensity and (2) requirements for stationary condition. To overcome these technical challenges and promote applications of GM-ELM to earthquake engineering practice, an efficient GM-ELM-based fragility analysis method is proposed for nonstationary excitations. To this end, this paper develops the concept of universal equivalent linear system that can estimate the stochastic responses for a range of seismic intensities through an intensity-augmented version of GM-ELM. Moreover, the GM-ELM framework is extended to identify equivalent linear oscillators that could capture the temporal average behavior of nonstationary responses. The proposed extensions generalize expressions and philosophies of the existing response combination formulations of GM-ELM to facilitate efficient fragility analysis for nonstationary excitations. The proposed methods are demonstrated by numerical examples using realistic ground motions, including design code–conforming nonstationary ground motions.     

工程结构等延性地震抗力谱研究

研究结构的非弹性反应谱对改进现有的结构抗震设计、发展基于性态的抗震设计以及了解复杂地面运动特性与结构动力特性之间的关系具有重要的意义。利用大量的单自由度在强震记录作用下的弹塑性动力时程分析,对等延性地震抗力谱这一重要的非弹性反应谱进行了较为详尽的研究,给出了四类场地条件(基岩、硬土、一般土和软土)下的平均等延性地震抗力谱,总结了对工程结构的抗震设计和研究具有实际意义的规律和特征,并分析了场地条件、结构的延性系数以及周期等对等延性地震抗力谱的影响,提出了新的拟合公式,其成果可供抗震研究和设计直接应用。     

Stochastic analysis of the linear equivalent response of bridge piers with aseismic devices

The dynamic response of bridge piers with aseismic devices to earthquake excitation is evaluated by the stochastic equivalent linearization technique. The seismic acceleration is schematized through a Gaussian stationary random process. The pier is considered linear elastic, the span is idealized as a rigid mass, the restoring force of the device is represented through a non-linear differential model. The study of the complex modes of the linearized system gives an interpretation of the mechanical behaviour, leads to a formally elementary solution and highlights some phenomena which are typical of the hysteretic systems, particularly of those marked by weak hardening. Even though the solution is limited to the stationary field, it brings out several noteworthy considerations about the effective non stationary behaviour of the structure. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

STOCHASTIC SEISMIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF TUNED LIQUID COLUMN DAMPERS

The seismic performance of Tuned Liquid Column Dampers (TLCDs) for the passive control of flexible structures is investigated using random vibration analysis. A non-stationary stochastic process with frequency and amplitude modulation is used to represent the earthquake strong motion, and a simple equivalent linearization technique is used to account for the non-linear damping force in the TLCD. The governing equations of motion for the structure TLCD system are formulated and reduced to a first-order state vector equation, from which the differential equation for the system response covariance matrix is obtained. The TLCD performance is evaluated on the basis of selected structural response statistics, namely, the expected maximum and root-mean-square displacements, and root-mean-square absolute accelerations and interstorey shears. A parametric study and sensitivity analysis are conducted to assess the TLCD performance and identify critical design parameters. Illustrative examples are presented using SDOF and MDOF shear-beam structural models, a wide-banded stationary random base acceleration and two non-stationary random input ground motions representative of long- and short-duration ground accelerations with significant low-frequency content.     

Damage-based inelastic response spectra for seismic design incorporating performance considerations

Modern seismic design allows a structure to develop inelastic response during moderate to severe earthquakes. The emerging performance-based design requires more clearly defined levels of inelastic response, or damage, to be targeted for different earthquake hazard levels. While there are a range of factors that could influence the level of damage and hence the performance, the design strength remains to be a fundamental design parameter that is inherently related to the structural performance. In this paper, the response reduction factor, which is a normalized form of the design strength, is investigated on a direct damage basis. The implications of the damage-based strength reduction factor (SRF), denoted as R_D factor, on multiple performance targets are discussed. A series of R_D spectra are generated from a large set of ground motions in different groupings to examine the effects of local site condition, earthquake magnitude and distance to rupture on the R_D spectra. The overall mean and standard deviation of the R_D spectra for different levels of damage are obtained, and simple empirical formulas are proposed.     

Capacity spectrum method based on inelastic demand spectra

By means of a graphical procedure, the capacity spectrum method compares the capacity of a structure with the demands of earthquake ground motion on it. In the present version of the method, highly damped elastic spectra have been used to determine seismic demand. A more straightforward approach for the determination of seismic demand is based on the use of the inelastic strength and displacement spectra which can be obtained directly by time-history analyses of inelastic SDOF systems, or indirectly from elastic spectra. The advantages of the two approaches (i.e. the visual representation of the capacity spectrum method and the superior physical basis of inelastic demand spectra) can be combined. In this paper, the idea of using inelastic demand spectra within the capacity spectrum method has been elaborated and is presented in an easy to use format. The approach represents the so-called N2 method formulated in the format of the capacity spectrum method. By reversing the procedure, a direct displacement-based design can be performed. The application of the modified capacity spectrum method is illustrated by means of two examples. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Evaluation of FEMA-440 for including soil-structure interaction

Replacing the entire soil-structure system with a fixed base oscillator to consider the effect of soil-structure interaction (SSI) is a common analysis method in seismic design. This technique has been included in design procedures such as NEHRP, ASCE, etc. by defining an equivalent fundamental period and damping ratio that can modify the response of the structure. However, recent studies indicate that the effects of SSI should be reconsidered when a structure undergoes a nonlinear displacement demand. In recent documents on Nonlinear Static Procedures (NSPs), FEMA-440 (2005), a modified damping ratio of the replacement oscillator was proposed by introducing the ductility of the soil-structure system obtained from pushover analysis. In this paper, the damping defined in FEMA-440 to include the soil-structure interaction effect is evaluated, and the accuracy of the Coefficient Method given in FEMA-440 and the Equivalent Linearization Method is studied. Although the improvements for Nonlinear Static Procedures (NSPs) in FEMA-440 are achieved for a fixed base SDOF structure, the soil effects are not perfectly obtained. Furthermore, the damping definition of a soil-structure system is extended to structures to consider bilinear behavior.     

A probabilistic assessment of seismic damage in ductile structures

The current practices in ductility-based earthquake design ignore the damage caused by the repeated random inelastic excursions. A ductile structure may however suffer different degrees of damage depending on the number and amplitudes of these inelastic excursions. The information about the largest response peak as available from the response spectra may not thus be enough as the higher-order peaks are likely to play an important role in the progressing damage. A probabilistic model is proposed here to estimate the damage in a structure with a given amount of ductility by using the order statistics of the higher-order peaks. The proposed formulation relates damage to the entire response process, not just to the largest response. It thus accounts for the different roles played by the total number of peaks in the process, the relative amplitudes and number of excursions, and frequency content of the response process.     

A method for the direct estimation of floor acceleration spectra for elastic and inelastic MDOF structures

This paper deals with floor acceleration spectra, which are used for the seismic design and assessment of acceleration‐sensitive equipment installed in buildings. In design codes and in practice, not enough attention has been paid to the seismic resistance of such equipment. An ‘accurate’ determination of floor spectra requires a complex and quite demanding dynamic response history analysis. The purpose of the study presented in this paper is the development of a direct method for the determination of floor acceleration spectra, which enables their generation directly from the design spectrum of the structure, by taking into account the structure's dynamic properties. The method is also applicable to inelastic structures, which can greatly improve the economic aspects of equipment design. A parametric study of floor acceleration spectra for elastic and inelastic single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) and multiple‐degree‐of‐freedom structures was conducted by using (non)linear response history analysis. The equipment was modelled as an elastic single‐degree‐of‐freedom system. The proposed method was validated by comparing the results obtained with the more accurate results obtained in a parametric study. Due to its simplicity, the method is an appropriate tool for practice. In the case of inelastic structural behaviour, the method should be used in combination with the N2 method, or another appropriate method for simplified nonlinear structural analysis. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

延性需求谱在基于性能的抗震设计中的应用

基于性能的抗震设计理论涉及如何简便而合理地确定结构在指定强度地震下的弹塑性位移需求。本文给出了利用延性需求谱求解结构位移需求的一般步骤:借助模态Pushover分析将多自由度体系分解为几个非线性单自由度体系,以考虑各阶振型的影响;利用延性需求谱计算对应模态的等效单自由度体系的延性及位移需求,并以一定方式组合转化为多自由度体系位移需求。最后,通过算例分析表明:利用延性需求谱求解结构位移需求是一种具有一定精度可为工程接受的简便方法,在基于性能的抗震设计中具有较好的应用前景。     

Performance spectra based method for the seismic design of structures equipped with passive supplemental damping systems

A new direct performance‐based design method utilizing design tools called performance‐spectra (P‐Spectra) for low‐rise to medium‐rise frame structures incorporating supplemental damping devices is presented. P‐Spectra are graphic tools that relate the responses of nonlinear SDOF systems with supplemental dampers to various damping parameters and dynamic system properties that structural designers can control. These tools integrate multiple response quantities that are important to the performance of a structure into a single compact graphical format to facilitate direct comparison of different potential solutions that satisfy a set of predetermined performance objectives under various levels of seismic hazard. An SDOF to MDOF transformation procedure that defines the required supplemental damping properties for the MDOF structure to achieve the response defined by the target SDOF system is also presented for hysteretic, linear viscous and viscoelastic damping devices. Using nonlinear time‐history analyses of idealized shear structures, the accuracy of the transformation procedure is verified. A seismic performance upgrade design example is presented to demonstrate the usefulness of the proposed method for achieving design performance goals using supplemental damping devices. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

A unified formulation of the piecewise exact method for inelastic seismic demand analysis including the P‐delta effect

The non‐linear analysis of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems provides the essential background information for both strength‐based design and displacement‐based evaluation/design methodologies through the development of the inelastic response spectra. The recursive solution procedure called the piecewise exact method, which is efficiently used for the response analysis of linear SDOF systems, is re‐formulated in this paper in a unified format to analyse the non‐linear SDOF systems with multi‐linear hysteresis models. The unified formulation is also capable of handling the P‐delta effect, which generally involves the negative post‐yield stiffness of the hysteresis loops. The attractiveness of the method lies in the fact that it provides the exact solution when the loading time history is composed of piecewise linear segments, a condition that is perfectly satisfied for the earthquake excitation. Based on simple recursive relationships given for positive, negative and zero effective stiffnesses, the unified form of the piecewise exact method proves to be an extremely powerful and probably the best tool for the SDOF inelastic time‐history and response spectrum analysis including the P‐delta effect. A number of examples are presented to demonstrate the implementation of the method. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inelastic spectra for infilled reinforced concrete frames

In two companion papers a simplified non‐linear analysis procedure for infilled reinforced concrete frames is introduced. In this paper a simple relation between strength reduction factor, ductility and period (R–µ–T relation) is presented. It is intended to be used for the determination of inelastic displacement ratios and of inelastic spectra in conjunction with idealized elastic spectra. The R–µ–T relation was developed from results of an extensive parametric study employing a SDOF mathematical model composed of structural elements representing the frame and infill. The structural parameters, used in the proposed R–µ–T relation, in addition to the parameters used in a usual (e.g. elasto‐plastic) system, are ductility at the beginning of strength degradation, and the reduction of strength after the failure of the infills. Formulae depend also on the corner periods of the elastic spectrum. The proposed equations were validated by comparing results in terms of the reduction factors, inelastic displacement ratios, and inelastic spectra in the acceleration–displacement format, with those obtained by non‐linear dynamic analyses for three sets of recorded and semi‐artificial ground motions. A new approach was used for generating semi‐artificial ground motions compatible with the target spectrum. This approach preserves the basic characteristics of individual ground motions, whereas the mean spectrum of the whole ground motion set fits the target spectrum excellently. In the parametric study, the R–µ–T relation was determined by assuming a constant reduction factor, while the corresponding ductility was calculated for different ground motions. The mean values proved to be noticeably different from the mean values determined based on a constant ductility approach, while the median values determined by the different procedures were between the two means. The approach employed in the study yields a R–µ–T relation which is conservative both for design and performance assessment (compared with a relation based on median values). Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Probabilistic estimation of maximum inelastic displacement demands for performance‐based design

A probabilistic approach to estimate maximum inelastic displacement demands of single‐degree‐of‐freedom (SDOF) systems is presented. By making use of the probability of exceedance of maximum inelastic displacement demands for given maximum elastic spectral displacement and the mean annual frequency of exceedance of elastic spectral ordinates, a simplified procedure is proposed to estimate mean annual frequencies of exceedance of maximum inelastic displacement demands. Simplifying assumptions are thoroughly examined and discussed. Using readily available elastic seismic hazard curves the procedure can be used to compute maximum inelastic displacement seismic hazard curves and uniform hazard spectra of maximum inelastic displacement demands. The resulting maximum inelastic displacement demand spectra provide a more rational way of establishing seismic demands for new and existing structures when performance‐based approaches are used. The proposed procedure is illustrated for elastoplastic SDOF systems having known‐lateral strength located in a region of high seismicity in California. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Inelastic seismic response of stiffening systems and development of demand spectrum: Application to MSSS bridges

A stiffening system is a system that increases its stiffness as it goes under large displacements. Such behavioural characteristic can result from constitutive behaviour or at the structural level often from closure of gaps between various components (sub‐systems) of the structure. An example of the latter situation is multi‐span simply supported (MSSS) bridges under horizontal earthquake ground motion. Unlike softening systems, stiffening systems have not been studied. In addition to the need for more understanding of the seismic response of stiffening systems, there is a need to develop response spectrum that can be used in design. Several parameters including gap size and ratios of sub‐systems stiffness, strength, and mass control the behaviour of a stiffening system. In this study, a simplified stiffening model is developed and over 367 000 cases are analysed to investigate the nonlinear stiffening behaviour and pounding. Parameters considered also include ground motion characteristic. Results are evaluated and compared in terms of displacement and dissipated hysteretic energy. Parameter study results show that, on average, the displacement response is lower for stiffening systems, however, they dissipates higher hysteretic energy, due to higher yield cycles and yield excursions, and can possibly sustain more damage than a bilinear, elastic–plastic system. Using parameter study database, design response spectrum for stiffening systems is also proposed and its practical application is demonstrated through its application to an MSSS bridge. Results of this study goes beyond MSSS bridges and will have application for many structural systems where response is characterized by a stiffening behaviour. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.