Earthquakes: steel structures performance and design code developments

Abstract

Major earthquakes occur several times each year throughout the world with heavy loss of life and property. The basic problem of earthquake design is to synthesize the structural configuration; the size, shape, and material of the structural elements along with the methods of fabrication, so that the structure will safely and economically withstand the action of earthquake ground motions. This of course requires a broad knowledge of the behavior of structures during earthquakes, and the final evaluation of the design will be made by a future earthquake. It is this ultimate test that has shown that steel-framed buildings and bridges have an excellent record of protecting life safety, as well as minimizing economic loss and business interruption.