The Direct displacement-based seismic design (DBD) procedure is now well developed for most structural systems and material typologies. However, there do not appear to be any software applications incorporating the procedure. As such, a three year Italian research project has recently seen the realisation of a computer programme, named DBDSoft, that permits the Direct DBD of regular reinforced concrete buildings. Development of the programme required several conceptual programming challenges to be addressed. In particular, unlike traditional structural analysis software, the stiffness of elements is not known at the start of the procedure and therefore the programme could not utilise traditional matrix based structural analysis. Furthermore, it was recognised that for a given structural configuration there will be more than one acceptable seismic design solution and therefore, designers should be free to direct the seismic design towards the solution they desire. This paper explains how such challenges have been overcome through the realisation of a programme in which designers assign strength proportions to plastic hinge locations and then equilibrium analyses are undertaken in order to arrive at required design strengths, in line with the Direct DBD approach. The current limitations of the software are identified and important areas for future research are discussed.
Development of a computer programme for Direct displacement-based design
SULLIVAN, TIMOTHY;CALVI, GIAN MICHELE
In corso di stampa
Abstract
The Direct displacement-based seismic design (DBD) procedure is now well developed for most structural systems and material typologies. However, there do not appear to be any software applications incorporating the procedure. As such, a three year Italian research project has recently seen the realisation of a computer programme, named DBDSoft, that permits the Direct DBD of regular reinforced concrete buildings. Development of the programme required several conceptual programming challenges to be addressed. In particular, unlike traditional structural analysis software, the stiffness of elements is not known at the start of the procedure and therefore the programme could not utilise traditional matrix based structural analysis. Furthermore, it was recognised that for a given structural configuration there will be more than one acceptable seismic design solution and therefore, designers should be free to direct the seismic design towards the solution they desire. This paper explains how such challenges have been overcome through the realisation of a programme in which designers assign strength proportions to plastic hinge locations and then equilibrium analyses are undertaken in order to arrive at required design strengths, in line with the Direct DBD approach. The current limitations of the software are identified and important areas for future research are discussed.I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.
