Some Methods for Determining Seismic Effects on Structures According to Different Building Regulations and Possibility of Creating Single Method

Abstract

A brief analysis of different regulations for determining seismic loads based on the spectral theory shows that they have much in common but, at the same time, contain numerous amendments and clarifications for assessing true seismic effects. The calculation of seismic loads for one and the same conditions according to the regulations used in different countries produces significantly different results. According to the authors, there is a real possibility of creating common international regulations by refining and supplementing the existing ones. Apparently, the most promising regulations are European Standards EN 1998-2004/2012. The principle of calculation according to EN is more natural because seismic actions are actually transmitted to structures through a foundation. In addition, this approach allows consideration of a number of factors that affect the degree of seismic effects (ultimate shear resistance of soils, pressure on foundation soils, foundation−soil contact area, seismic beam tilt, etc.). An attempt is also made to assess the factors that impede the acceleration of building foundations during strong earthquakes.