Open AccessMyths and fallacies in earthquake engineering
Author(s) -
M. J. N. Priestley
Publication year - 1993
Publication title -
bulletin of the new zealand society for earthquake engineering/nzsee quarterly bulletin
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.917
H-Index - 36
eISSN - 2324-1543
pISSN - 1174-9857
DOI - 10.5459/bnzsee.26.3.329-341
Subject(s) - sophistication , blessing , construction engineering , structural engineering , engineering design process , design elements and principles , architectural engineering , engineering , civil engineering , computer science , mechanical engineering , systems engineering , aesthetics , history , archaeology , philosophy
Current practice in seismic analysis and design is examined, with particular reference to reinforced concrete structures. The attitude of the paper is deliberately iconoclastic, tilting at targets it is hoped will not be seen as windmills. It is suggested that our current emphasis on strength-based design and ductility leads us in directions that are not always rational. A pure displacement-based design approach is advanced as a viable alternative. Improvements resulting from increased sophistication of analyses are seen to be largely illusory. Energy absorption is shown to be a mixed blessing. Finally, accepted practices for flexural design, shear design, development of reinforcement, and the philosophic basis of capacity design are questioned.