Do the Eurocode 8 Force-Based Design Provisions Lead to the Safe and Predictable Seismic Response of RC Frame Buildings?

Abstract eng:
Performance-Based Design is now widely recognized as the pre-eminent seismic design methodology for structures. The question thus naturally arises: Are Force-Based Design provisions of modern seismic codes compatible with Performance-Based Design objectives? This paper is an investigation into the predictability of response and margin of safety of designs provided by the Eurocode 8 seismic design provisions. Assessment is made by comparing the design displacements and forces for regular RC moment frame structures to those obtained from non-linear time-history analysis. Time-history analyses were performed using suites of real and spectrum compatible artificial accelerograms. It is noted that a single-valued force reduction factor is incompatible with the force demands exhibited in buildings incorporating the same seismic resisting system, only differing in their fundamental period. Furthermore, drift ratios and member curvature demands indicate that seismic performance levels are non-uniform for the same class and type of structure. These findings suggest a review of the Force-Based Design provisions of seismic codes to bring about improved predictions of displacements and forces, and thus expected structural response and performance.

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