Yielding seismic response of code-designed single-storey asymmetric structures

• Published in: Earthquake engineering & structural dynamics Vol. 27; no. 6; pp. 525 - 541
• Main Authors: Escobar, J. Alberto, Ayala-Milián, A. Gustavo
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: New York John Wiley & Sons, Ltd 01-06-1998; Wiley
• Subjects: Applied sciences; asymmetric structures; Buildings. Public works; codes; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Engineering and environment geology. Geothermics; Exact sciences and technology; Monte Carlo simulations; Natural hazards: prediction, damages, etc; non-linear behaviour; random properties; seismic performance; Stresses. Safety; Structural analysis. Stresses; Central America; Mexico; America; Monte Carlo method; seismic response; Statistical analysis; Building code; Structural member; Ductility; Earthquakes; Earthquakeproof construction; Stiffness; Safety; Non linear effect; Structural analysis
• ISSN: 0098-8847; 1096-9845
• DOI: 10.1002/(SICI)1096-9845(199806)27:6<525::AID-EQE731>3.0.CO;2-B

A study on the seismic performance of asymmetric structures with non‐linear behaviour and random properties is presented. The structural response of single‐storey models, designed using different code criteria is studied using both a deterministic and a probabilistic approach. The worst structural behaviour, in terms of ductility demands, is obtained for symmetric models considering uncertain properties. It is shown that an arbitrary increase of the total lateral strength of the structures does not lead to an increment of the structural safety proportional to the total lateral strength increase, implying that an expensive structure is not always the safest. © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.