Author(s)

K. Behfarnia

Abstract

Seismic response of buildings with setback K. Behfarnia Isfahan University of Technology, Iran Abstract The behavior of multistory buildings during earthquake motions depends on the distribution of mass, stiffness, and strength in both the horizontal and vertical planes of the building. Building codes distinguish between regular and setback buildings for earthquake resistant design. Equivalent lateral force (ELF) procedure may be used to determine the design forces in regular buildings, while linear dynamic analysis is required for setback structures. Due to the sudden change in stiffness at the setback the load distribution is often complex in the neighborhood of the setback level. The load distribution among the elements can be determined by means of a three-dimensional program. However, such an approach is often not suitable in the preliminary design stage and it is preferable to have a simple calculation procedure to estimate the fundamental period and lateral load

Keywords