DIRECT INELASTIC EARTHQUAKE DESIGN OF R/C STRUCTURE

A new earthquake design method performing iterative calculations with secant stiffness was developed. Since basically the proposed design method uses linear analysis, it is convenient and stable in numerical analysis. At the same time, the proposed design method can accurately estimate the inelastic strength and ductility demands of the structural members through iterative calculations. In the present study, the procedure of the proposed design method was established, and a computer program incorporating the proposed method was developed. The proposed method, as an integrated analysis and design method, can directly address the earthquake design strategy intended by the engineer, such as limited ductility of member and the concept of strong column - weak beam. Through iterative calculations on a structural model with member sizes preliminarily assumed, the strength and ductility demands of each member can be determined so as to satisfy the given design strategy. As the result, structural safety and economical design can be achieved.