Deterministic seismic design procedures for reinforced concrete buildings

A brief review is given of a deterministic design philosophy with respect to earthquake resisting ductile structures for reinforced concrete buildings. This was developed recently mainly in New Zealand. In this approach a preferred hierarchy in the development of energy dissipating mechanisms is postulated. Some applications of ‘capacity design procedures’ relevant to beams, columns and shear walls, are outlined. The paramount importance of quantifiable good detailing is emphasized and the relevance of this with respect to shear effects in plastic hinges, the confinement of compressed concrete, and bond between reinforcement and concrete are examined. These aspects of the specific seismic environment are also utilized to show fundamental differences in structural behaviour when effects of gravity loads or seismic displacements are compared.