Performance‐based design of ductile concrete core wall buildings—issues to consider before detailed analysis

Abstract

AbstractBased on experience from the design of 20 concrete ductile core wall buildings using performance‐based design concepts and a sample design for a high‐rise concrete core wall building performed for the Los Angeles Tall Buildings Structural Design Council, several important issues to be considered before embarking on a detailed analysis have been identified. Nonlinear response history analysis for large, complicated structures can consume many hours of engineering effort. It is always advisable to understand as much as possible about the anticipated building behaviour before beginning this analysis. Performance objectives should be clearly identified for both frequent and maximum considered earthquakes. In particular, acceptable performance at serviceability levels should be understood, as current building codes do not provide much guidance. Factors such as anticipated demand on the lateral system, building height, soil type and seismic hazard should all be considered before running computer models, so appropriate cracking assumptions can be made. Even the design spectra themselves can be indicators of anticipated higher mode effects that may govern design. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.