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Torsion in two buildings—1987 whittier narrows earthquake
Author(s) -
Lu Shi,
Hall William J.
Publication year - 1992
Publication title -
earthquake engineering and structural dynamics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.218
H-Index - 127
eISSN - 1096-9845
pISSN - 0098-8847
DOI - 10.1002/eqe.4290210502
Subject(s) - torsion (gastropod) , ground motion , structural engineering , earthquake engineering , engineering , low rise , seismic analysis , geology , surgery , medicine
Study of the data from the extensively instrumented buildings in the 1987 Whittier Narrows earthquake suggests that torsional modes probably were excited in buildings that outwardly appear quite symmetric. Accordingly this study involves: (i) investigation of the observed response of two low‐rise buildings in both the elastic and moderately inelastic domains, (ii) comparison of such behaviour with the results obtained from modelling studies, and (iii) examination of the possible effects arising from stronger shaking. The study was directed towards attempting to provide a partial answer to the critical question of whether or not the torsional response was important in the gross total response of these low‐rise buildings, and to what extent torsional concepts should be considered in design. Also the numerical results were extrapolated to examine the survivability of the same buildings if subjected to a somewhat stronger earthquake. The ultimate goal was to contribute insight to the practical guidelines for design and analysis of low‐rise buildings subjected to strong ground motion.