Seismic performance of non-structural elements (SPONSE) and Learning from earthquakes (LFE)

Abstract

This issue of the NZSEE Bulletin presents four papers covering diverse topics spanning into seismic performance of nonstructural elements (SPONSE) and learning from earthquakes (LFE). The first paper by Haymes et al. [1] presents a practiceoriented method to generate floor displacement and acceleration response spectra for elastically responding structures. This method enables improved prediction of floor acceleration demands for acceleration sensitive non-structural components and contents provided the building period is known. Given the floor acceleration profile currently specified in NZS1170.5; i.e. the New Zealand Loadings Standard for Earthquake Actions, for seismic design of parts and components is crude, this paper provides useful information that can potentially help refine the guidelines related to floor acceleration demands for non-structural components and contents in buildings.