Mentor Llunji

SEISMIC ARCHITECTURE
The architecture of earthquake resistant structures
Mentor Llunji

SEISMIC ARCHITECTURE - The architecture of earthquake resistant

structures

First Edition

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MSPROJECT d.o.o
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Front/back cover: Riverside Museum, Glasgow, Scotland

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ISBN 978-9940-9794-0-9
COBISS.CG-ID 31679504
Format: 25 x 19 cm

Printed in Montenegro 2016

 MENTOR LLUNJI

SEISMIC
ARCHITECTURE
THE ARCHITECTURE OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT STRUCTURES

MSPROJECT
2016
Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication
Attributed to Leonardo Da Vinci
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

In particular I thank:

My dear colleagues, individual experts, structural engineers and architects who

reviewed particular chapters.

I would like to thank individuals and institutions for giving permission to repro-
duce photographs.

I would like to acknowledge the contributions of many individuals, but espe-

cially T. Paulay, M. J. Pristley, Ch. Arnold, B. Reitherman, A. Charleson,
B.Tarantah, J.Moehle and many others for the use of their books and papers
as inspiration or primary references in numerous occasions throughout the text.

Finally, I am very thankful to the many architects and engineers whose creativ-
ity, knowledge and ingenuity enriched the science and practice of earthquake
engineering.
From the very beginning of my career as a structural engineer
I believed that we should strive to design buildings that provide
a sense of security; buildings which reflect seismic resistance
through architecture, configuration and structural layout, to the
degree that in an earthquake people instead of running out of
the buildings, will seek refuge inside the buildings we designed.
Mentor Llunji
SEISMIC ARCHITECTURE

• Introduction 1- 18

• Earthquake effects on structures 19 - 82

• Seismic force resisting systems 83 -150

• Advanced systems for seismic protection 151 - 202

• Architectural/structural configuration

and its influence on seismic response 203 - 326

• Contemporary architecture in seismic regions 327 - 348

• Seismic response of nonstructural elements 349 - 392

• Seismic retrofit and rehabilitation of existing buildings 393 - 442

• Seismic architecture 443 - 472
• Appendix 473 - 494
CONTENTS

Foreword...........................................................................................................13
Introduction.......................................................................................................15

1. EARTHQAUKE EFFECTS ON STRUCTURES

1.1 Introduction................................................................................................21
1.2 Inertia forces ...........................................................................................29
1.3 Period and resonance.............................................................................33
1.4 Damping....................................................................................................41
1.5 Response spectrum...................................................................................42
1.6 Resistance to seismic forces.....................................................................46
Ductility.....................................................................................................46
Strength and stiffness..............................................................................49
1.7 Drift.............................................................................................................50
1.8 P-∆ effect..................................................................................................52
1.9 Distribution of seismic force- role of the horizontal diaphragm.....55
1.10 Torsion......................................................................................................60
1.11 Soil -structure interaction......................................................................67
1.12 Earthquake effects on site conditions and geotechnical structures..68
Liquefaction..........................................................................................69
Slope stability-landslides.....................................................................71
Faults...................................................................................................72
Tsunami..................................................................................................73
Seismic effect on earth retaining structure..............................................75
References .......................................................................................................79

2. SEISMIC FORCE RESISTING SYSTEMS

2.1 Introduction................................................................................................85
2.2 Structural systems....................................................................................85
2.2.1 Structural wall systems.........................................................................87
Steel plate shear walls.........................................................................96
Coupled wall systems............................................................................97
Types and configurations of structural walls .................................100
The strategy of structural wall layout in a building plan ................101
The strategy of structural wall distribution along the building
height - vertical configuration...........................................................105
2.2.2 Frame systems - Moment resisting frames....................................108
Reinforced concrete frames..............................................................110
Steel frames........................................................................................120
Timber frames.....................................................................................123
2.2.3 Flat slab systems.................................................................................126
2.2.4 Dual wall/frame system..................................................................132
2.2.5 Braced systems..................................................................................135
Frames with concentric bracings.....................................................135
Frames with eccentric bracings.......................................................139
Buckling restrained brace...............................................................140
Diagrid systems.................................................................................142
References.....................................................................................................148

3. ADVANCED SYSTEMS FOR SESIMIC PROTECTION

3.1 Introduction..............................................................................................153
3.2 New concepts..........................................................................................153
3.3 Seismic isolation and systems for seismic energy dissipation........155
3.3.1 Seismic isolation..................................................................................155
Base isolation in history......................................................................157
Base isolation concept and main advantages................................163
Design and analysis procedures......................................................173
Modeling base isolation in computer programs.............................175
Base isolation in bridges....................................................................175
The application of seismic base isolation to protect works of art
(artifacts) .............................................................................................176
3.3.2 Energy dissipation devices ..............................................................180
Friction dampers.................................................................................181
Fluid dampers.....................................................................................182
Tuned Mass Dampers........................................................................184
3.4 Seismic isolation in architecture...........................................................187
3.5 Instead of conclusion.............................................................................194
References......................................................................................................198

4. ARCHITECTURAL/STRUCTURAL CONFIGURATION AND

ITS INFLUENCE ON SEISMIC RESPONSE
4.1 Introduction..............................................................................................205
4.2 The impact of architecture on seismic response...............................208
4.3 Geometric features that influence seismic response .....................217
4.4 Impact of irregularities on seismic response.....................................231
4.5 Discontinuities in horizontal (floor) diaphragm.................................234
4.6 Soft storey...............................................................................................243
Weak storey or soft storey ................................................................255
Case study 1..................................................................................................257
Other stiffness discontinuities in elevation ...............................................258
Case study 2..................................................................................................259
4.7 Floating columns.....................................................................................261
4.8 The short column effect.........................................................................264
4.9 Seatback configuration.........................................................................270
4.10 Interconnected buildings....................................................................280
4.11 Vertical mass irregularities................................................................285
4.12 ‘Hill building’ configuration................................................................289
4.13 Torsional irregularity..........................................................................294
4.14 Irregularities in plan/ Re-entrant corner configuration................302
Complex plan configurations considerations regarding
seismic joints ........................................................................................309
4.15 Basic concepts in seismic design of complex architectural
configurations..................................................................................311
References......................................................................................................322

5. CONTEMPORARY ARCHITECTURE IN SEISMIC REGIONS

5.1 Introduction..............................................................................................329
5.2 Contemporary architecture in seismic regions
- overview and comparisons...............................................................331
References......................................................................................................346

6. SEISMIC RESPONSE OF NON-STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS

6.1 Introduction..............................................................................................351
6.2 Non-structural elements - definition....................................................351
6.3 Seismic response of non-structural elements.....................................353
6.4 The effect of drift on non-structural elements .................................355
6.5 Regulations and non-structural elements...........................................358
6.6 Classification of non-structural elements..............................................358
 Partition walls (masonry infill, etc.)......................................................358
Stairs......................................................................................................373
Other non-structural elements.............................................................375
Facade/exterior cladding..................................................................376
Windows and glass facades................................................................377
Suspended ceilings...............................................................................380
Escalators..............................................................................................383
Building contents and equipment - protecting techniques..................384
References......................................................................................................391

7. SEISMIC RETROFIT AND REHABILITATION OF EXISTING

BUILDINGS
7.1 Introduction..............................................................................................395
7.2 Philosophy and strategy of seismic retrofit.......................................396
7.3 What type of existing buildings are endangered?........................398
7.4 Seismic retrofit-procedures and principles of retrofit.....................401
7.5 Structural analysis for seismic retrofit................................................408
7.6 Seismic retrofit of steel structures.......................................................409
7.7 Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete structures.............................413
7.8 Seismic retrofit of masonry buildings.................................................420
7.9 Seismic retrofit using FRP......................................................................423
7.10 Seismic retrofit of historical buildings ............................................428
7.11 Architecture of seismic strengthening...............................................433
Case study.............................................................................................437
References....................................................................................................439

8. SEISMIC ARCHITECTURE
8.1 Introduction..............................................................................................445
8.2 Structure as architecture.......................................................................447
8.3 Origin and idea of seismic architecture............................................450
8.4 Seismic architecture - features and possibilities..............................463
8.5 Seismic architecture- Case study.........................................................469
References....................................................................................................471

APPENDIX A - Capacity design of structures..........................................473

APPENDIX B - Seismic analysis methods...................................................481
 13

FOREWORD
The main aim of ‘Seismic Architecture’ is to explain in the simplest terms,
the architecture and structure of earthquake-resistant buildings, using many
practical examples and case studies to demonstrate the fact that structures
and buildings react to earthquake forces mainly according to their form,
configuration and material.

The term ‘Seismic Architecture’ was intentionally used to demonstrate the

level of interdependence/intersection of architectural design and seismic re-
sistant engineering, which is still overlooked by professionals in both fields.

The purpose of this book is to introduce a new perspective on seismic de-

sign, a more visual, conceptual and architectural one, to both architects and
engineers. In a word, it is to introduce architectural opportunities for earth-
quake resistant- buildings, treating seismic design as a central architectural
issue. A non-mathematical and practical approach emphasizing graphical
presentation of problems and solutions makes it equally accessible to archi-
tectural and engineering professionals. The book is more graphically orient-
ed, because the author believes that the seismic behavior of structures can
be best understood by simple structural concepts, sketches, diagrams and
examples and that a highly-technical and mathematical approach for the
majority of professionals interested in seismic design has proven ineffective,
making this topic unattractive and even more distant to them.

The book is divided into eight chapters. Each chapter reinforces the idea
that there is no sophisticated analysis that can save a weak structural con-
cept, irregular configuration and poor detailing. The author firmly believes
that to achieve the best seismic behavior of a structure, a sound and logical
concept should always come before calculation.

Each section contains a comprehensive set of drawings and photographs

which follow the text, and each case study demonstrates architectural im-
plications in earthquake resistance. The book is written in simple language
that is easy to follow, clear and informative.

It is primarily the product of a practical need to improve communication be-

tween structural engineers and architects.

This and many other features differentiate this book from all other books on
seismic design.

I tried as much as possible to ‘internationalize’ the book. It is not written for

application in any specific country, focusing on a broader perspective that
has nothing to do with specific codes and regulations but instead with sound
14

and logical structural concepts. Thus, it can be used by designers in any part
of the world. For major issues, I referred to the codes and regulations of Eu-
rope, the USA, New Zealand and Japan.

This book was written form the standpoint of a designer for designers and
its main role is to provide students, graduate engineers, architects and es-
pecially practitioners and consultants with useful knowledge and a practical
understanding of seismic design issues that will be confidently applied in ev-
eryday design.

I was aware of the responsibility of selecting and determining appropriate

content for the book, the extent of the problem and ways of representing
the same, and therefore would be grateful for all well-meaning comments
and suggestions from readers.

Mentor Llunji
 15

INTRODUCTION
Earthquakes are still one of the greatest threats to mankind. Through his-
tory they were the cause of the destruction of thousands of villages and cit-
ies, while in ancient times every ground movement was attributed to ‘dark
forces’ and treated as the ultimate mystical phenomenon. Unknowns relat-
ed to earthquakes makes them more dangerous than they really are; this is
confirmed by the fact that the annual loss from floods is greater than that
from earthquakes, both of which are less dangerous than traffic accidents.
However, the sudden and unannounced occurrence of earthquakes, uncer-
tain duration and their destructive force have a tremendous psychological
effect on human beings. It is a phenomenon that instills incomparable fear.

The Haiti earthquake of January 2010 with more than 230,000 victims, the
tsunami in Indonesia in 2004 with 240,000 victims, or the most devastat-
ing, the earthquake in the city of Tangshan in China in 1976 with more than
250,000 victims  (some reports indicate that the actual death toll was much
higher ), are just some of the recent devastating earthquakes. A ‘panorama’
of these cities reminds one of the atomic bomb effect. The earthquakes in
Haiti and Tangshan, showed us that the destruction comes about as a di-
rect consequence of non-compliance with basic standards and regulations
regarding the design and construction of civil engineering structures.

Regardless of this, it often happens that buildings cannot survive strong

earthquakes even in cases of quality construction and code compliance. A
typical example is the earthquake in Mexico City in 1985, where despite rel-
16

atively decent construction quality, destruction was extensive, mainly due

to the poor quality of the soil which caused the effect of oscillation to mul-
tiply. It should be noted that the matter of ‘code-compliance’ is a relative
issue, because after each new earthquake excising codes are already old and
improvements are sought. This has been the case in the last hundred years
of code existence- an existence that is marked by constant improvement of
previous mistakes ‘discovered’ by the ‘earthquake itself’.

Presidential Palace in Port-au-Prince, Haiti, earthquake of 2010.

Despite the fact that earthquakes cannot be prevented, modern science and
today’s level of knowledge in the field of earthquake engineering have en-
abled the means and measures that, if properly applied can largely minimize
the negative effects of strong earthquakes.

Although a major role in seismic design is that of engineer, the role of archi-
tect is equally important. The architect as ‘owner’ of the main architectural
idea defines a large number of parameters that play an important role in
building’s seismic performance.

Building height, configuration, shape, mass and layout and the positioning
of structural elements in the conceptual design phase, are in the hands of
architects. The architect should definitely see and accept structure as an in-
tegral part of the project and not as something added to the architectural
project.

In this spirit, the architect should consider the earthquake a real threat, not
something that is concern only of the structural engineer. This is exactly the
aim of the book; that an earthquake threat should be treated jointly and
 17

simultaneously by both architects and structural engineers, from the initial

idea, when defining horizontal and vertical dimensions, construction mate-
rial, layout and function. The role and influence of architecture on the seis-
mic response of buildings has been confirmed in many earthquakes and doc-
umented by many authors. It is worth mentioning the pioneering work of
Christopher Arnold and Robert Reitherman and their “Building configuration
and seismic design” book, in which was documented and broadly discussed
the influence of architecture/configuration on seismic response.

California architect Marcy Li Wang, as part of the US earthquake investiga-

tive team that thoroughly analyzed the consequences of the Algerian earth-
quake (El Asnam-1980) concluded : “The collapse of these buildings did not
occur because they were not engineered structures, or because attempts were
made to economize the use of structural materials. The collapse occurred due
to the fact that the buildings were not architecturally designed and engineered
for the effects of strong earthquakes’ ground motions” 1 2

This tells us that it is necessary to pay more attention to the conceptual de-
sign phase and better inform architects about seismic problems and basic
principles of seismic design, as well as work for better and closer collabora-
tion between structural engineers and architects.

In addition, structural engineers need to work harder on their ‘aesthetic’

education, to become more familiar with the architecture, to comprehend
structure as an inevitable architectural element, to realize its aesthetic po-
tential, to recognize the ‘ground’ on which architects operate, and to appre-
ciate their desire for form, functionality and extravagance.

1
Wang, M.L., Consequences of architectural style on earthquake resistance. Final pro-
ceedings: PRC-US joint Workshop on Earthquake Disaster Mitigation through Architec-
ture, Urban Planning Engineering, Beijing, November 2-6 1981, pp: 150-181
2
Wang, M.L., Stylistic dogma vs. seismic resistance -the contribution of modernist tenets
to Algerian disaster. Consequences of architectural style on earthquake resistance.
Final proceedings: PRC-US joint Workshop on Earthquake Disaster Mitigation through
Architecture, AIA JOURNAL/November1981.