The Course on Seismicity and Earthquake-Resistant Design It offers you the opportunity to delve into a crucial and rapidly growing field, where the demand for skilled professionals is constantly increasing. You will learn to characterise seismic action, master different analysis methods and apply a robust methodology to earthquake-resistant design. This knowledge will enable you to contribute to the safety and resilience of buildings, a vital aspect in earthquake-prone areas. The course focuses on equipping you with the skills needed to tackle real-world challenges through practical case studies that simulate real-life professional scenarios. Furthermore, the online format offers you the flexibility to study from anywhere, adapting to your personal and professional needs. Taking this course will not only enhance your technical skills but will also strategically position you within a sector that is essential for the sustainable and safe development of our communities.
Seismicity and Earthquake-Resistant Design
Architecture, construction and urban planning
40 hours
Introduction
Objectives
- To understand the fundamentals of seismicity and its detailed characterisation.
- To analyse different methods of seismic analysis and their practical application.
- To identify the basic principles of earthquake-resistant structural design.
- To assess the regulatory requirements for earthquake-resistant design in projects.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical case studies in earthquake-resistant design.
- To develop skills in interpreting seismic data in real-world contexts.
- To improve decision-making capabilities in situations involving seismic risk.
Table of Contents
TEACHING UNIT 1. INTRODUCTION AND CHARACTERISATION OF SEISMIC ACTIVITY
What is an earthquake? Definition. Causes and effects. Regions of high seismic activity around the world
Characterisation of seismic activity. The concept of PGA. Earthquake levels, return periods and seismic hazard curves.
Definition of response spectra. Local geology and amplification factors. Liquefaction
Importance coefficients
Consideration of seismic action in design. Vertical seismic action, associated mass, combination of seismic action
TEACHING UNIT 2. METHODS OF ANALYSIS
Introduction to modal analysis
Seismic-resistant design methodology. A step-by-step guide
Static linear analyses (i). Equivalent lateral force method
Dynamic linear analysis (ii). Spectral and modal-spectral analysis
Non-linear analyses. Pushover analysis and time-history analysis using accelerograms
TEACHING UNIT 3. EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT DESIGN. METHODOLOGY AND REQUIREMENTS
Basic design criteria for seismic zones
Ductility. Behavioural factors
Ductility design requirements for reinforced concrete
Ductility design requirements for steel structures
Assessment of displacements. Seismic joints and separation of adjacent structures
Gravity and retaining structures. Pseudo-static analysis: seismic design and determination of earth pressures
Seismic-resistant design strategy. Dissipation versus isolation
TEACHING UNIT 4. APPLICATION. PRACTICAL CASES
Application example. Structural design of a retaining wall
Application example. Design of a reinforced concrete building. Application of the modal spectral method
Bibliography, reference standards and guidelines