Planning for Aseismic Buildings

Abstract

This chapter focuses on what constitutes a good configuration for a building structure and how to achieve it. Different types of irregularities are discussed together with their implications and methods to minimize their negative impact. The important question regarding evaluation of torsional moment in a multi-storey building is dealt with. This is followed by matters of concern to a designer such as pounding between buildings and effect of weakness in structural anatomy such as soft storeys and short columns. Measures to be taken to minimize the detrimental impact of these problems are also enumerated. Importance of load path integrity and the necessity to build in redundancy are emphasized. Some of the key factors in present day force-based design procedure are highlighted. Illustrative examples show how effect of soft storey and weak storey can be quantifiably gauged.