Open AccessReflections on New Zealand’s earthquake resistant design approach
Author(s) -
D K Kirkcaldie
Publication year - 2018
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.51.4.212-221
Subject(s) - limit state design , seismic analysis , comparability , hinge , engineering , structural engineering , displacement (psychology) , seismic risk , plastic hinge , civil engineering , forensic engineering , mathematics , combinatorics , psychology , psychotherapist
Perceived shortcomings in NZS 1170.5 [1] and some other Standards are highlighted and areas for improvement are suggested. A particular focus is placed on achieving the principal objective of achieving life safety at the limit state at which structural collapse is to be avoided. Topic areas commented on include:
The objectives of earthquake resistant design, especially that of avoiding the collapse of structures
The appropriateness of current classifications of buildings into importance levels
The currency and adequacy of the design seismic hazard spectra requirements
The justification for, and application of, a structural performance factor
The force-based and displacement-based methods of analysis and design, and the effects of plastic hinging relieving member permanent load moments at plastic hinges adjacent to points of support
Consideration of displacement effects, and effects on displacements, at the limit state at which collapse is to be avoided
Achieving reparability
Some shortcomings in the material Standards for both structural steel and reinforcing steel
Consideration of site conditions, and in coastal locations the tsunami risk
Comparability of New Zealand design requirements with other major design codes.