Permissible Residual Deformation Levels for Building Structures Considering Both Safety and Human Elements

Abstract eng:
A review of permissible residual deformation levels is undertaken in light of the increased interest in performance-based seismic design and self-centering systems. Permissible residual deformation levels are considered based on functionality, construction tolerances, and safety. Values are defined based on a review of past structural engineering research, post-earthquake reconnaissance, current building codes, and research in the field of psychology. The findings show that there are only a limited number of studies that measured residual drift levels of structures after an earthquake and correlated these to actual damage levels. In general, construction tolerances remain at or below 0.003 rad depending on the type of structural system and material being considered. This value is below the residual drift levels at which non-structural systems start to lose functionality. Research in the field of psychology has also shown that the lower limit at which people can sense an inclination is approximately 0.005 rad above which extended periods of inclination can cause headaches and dizziness. In order to verify these findings and provide further quantitative results, floor inclinations and column tilt of an occupied 40 year old structure are investigated. These results combined with those obtained through the extensive literature review suggest that 0.005 rad is an important engineering index in terms of permissible residual deformation levels.

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