Title:
Myths and Fallacies in Earthquake Engineering
Author(s):
M. J. Nigel Priestley
Publication:
Concrete International
Volume:
19
Issue:
2
Appears on pages(s):
54-63
Keywords:
earthquake-resistant structures; flexural strength;
reinforced concrete; shear strength; structural analysis; structural design;
DOI:
Date:
2/1/1997
Abstract:
Winner of the Wason Medal for Most Meritorious Paper, this article presents an examination of current practices in seismic analysis and design, with particular emphasis on reinforced concrete structures. It is suggested that the current reliance on strength-based design and ductility be reconsidered with a pure displacement-based design approach as a viable alternative. Accepted practices for flexural design, shear design, development of reinforcement, and the philosophy of capacity design are also discussed.