Significance of R factor in seismic analysis

Seismic design of the structures take into account the seismicity (the relative capability of the seismic activity), the various soil factors amplifying the magnitude of the ground motion, the different type of structures(R factor) and the use of the building(FOS for design loads). The equation we use most frequently in the Carolinas looks like this: Design lateral load = ( Sds * Ie / R ) * weight of building Sds accounts for seismicity and soil properties at site R factor shows the ability of the resisting system to absorb energy in elastically. Hence according to the definition, R mainly accounts for the ductility of the structure, for the reserved strength and the redundancy of the system and adjusts the design lateral loads accordingly. Since the ductile systems require additional detailing like providing close stirrups i.e. more cost etc. so higher the R higher will be the cost. So it will be wasteful to use higher R in cases where seismic design is not governing. A higher R factor has the effect of reducing the design base shear