Course Details

1. Discuss various approaches to Seismic Analysis and highlight relevant philosophy and analysis considerations
2. Evaluate methods of modelling seismic input.
3. Evaluate methods of modelling soil-structure interaction.
4. Employ an analysis system for the determination of seismic response in a range of linear and nonlinear systems.

Introduction: revision of earthquakes and seismic response.

Seismic input: equivalent static method, response spectra, time histories, orientation of input motion, sub-systems.

Modelling:discretisation, stiffness, mass, damping, coupling.

Analysis: types and choice of analysis method; equivalent static, mode-based response spectrum, mode-based time history, direct integration time history, non-linear time history with dynamic soil-structure interaction.

Soil-structure interaction: fixed base, equivalent springs, shear beam, continuum finite elements, boundary motion, soil material properties.

Modelling structures: floors, frames, walls, reinforced concrete structures, in-filled frames, hysteretic behaviour, tanks, base isolated structures.

Project: application of techniques in realistic structural problem.

• “Seismic design of reinforced concrete and masonry buildings”, Paulay, T and Priestly, M.J.N, John Wiley & Sons, 1992.
• “NAFEMS: How to – Do Seismic Analysis Using Finite Elements. NAFEMS, 2007.

• “Eurocode 8: Design of structures for earth quake resistance”.
• “Fundamentals of Earthquake Engineering”, Newmark, NM. and Rosenbleuth, E. Prentice Hall.

The course will be presented through theoretical lectures in class. The lectures will present to the student the course content and allow for questions. Part of the material will be presented using visual aids. Lecture notes, project assignments, practice questions, feedback and additional material such as site videos and photographs will be available to students at any time on the e-learning Moodle platform. The learning process will be enhanced with the requirement from the student to solve exercises. These include self-evaluation exercises which will be solved in class. These exercises will not be graded. Design projects will be given as part of their assessment. The instructor will be available to students during office hours or by appointment in order to provide any additional tutoring.