ABSTRACT
A m ajor objective of seismic design is the generation of structures th a t can survive earth quakes. T raditional structures are usually designed in accordance w ith provisions in building codes and standards, such as Uniform Building Code (UBC) [7], Standard Building Code (SBC) [14], and Am erican National Standard A N S I A58.1 [2 ]. Current code provisions for seismic design are usually based on simplified m ethods for estim ating seismic hazard (e.g., the zone factor Z of Uniform Building Code), seismic load effects (e.g., the static m ethod for stress analysis) and elem entary simplified failure criteria (e.g., failure occurs when load effects exceed resistance a t any one structural component). Effects of frequency content and duration of ground m otions, struc tu ra l dynamic characteristics, nonlinear dynamic analysis, and struc tu ra l redundancy are not generally accounted for in seismic design. There is no doubt th a t building codes should utilize simplified rules and formulas to facilitate operational convenience of design process. However, the validity of these rules and formulas and their im pact on building safety and reliability m ust be investigated.
