Fundamentals of Seismic Design

The course will start with a review on the dynamic behaviour of linear and non-linear single-degree-of-freedom systems, which represents the basis to understand seismic design. Afterwards the conceptual seismic design of structures will be addressed. Core of the course will be the discussion of current (force-based) and developing (displacement-based, or performance-based) seismic design philosophies including the tools required for their realization and verification. Capacity design principles, necessary to ensure a satisfactory and dependable hierarchy of ductile inelastic deformations will be explained with emphasis on the design and detailing of reinforced concrete structures. A further focus will be on the characterisation of the force-deformation behaviour of reinforced concrete structural elements as well as the modelling and analysis of reinforced concrete structures with nonlinear finite element approaches.