Performance-Based Optimal Design Under Seismic Risk

Abstract

A general framework is presented for optimal design based on multiple design criteria which is suitable for performance-based design of structural systems operating in an uncertain dynamic environment. Reliability-based design criteria are used to maintain user-specified levels of structural safety by properly taking into account the uncertainties in the seismic loads that a structure may experience during its lifetime. The methodology is demonstrated with a simple example involving the design of a three-story steel-frame building for which the ground motion uncertainty is characterized by a probabilistic response spectrum developed from available attenuation formulas and seismic hazard models.

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