Earthquake engineering and earthquake resistant structures

Institution:
University of Patras
Specialization:
EE - Earthquake Engineering
Term:
Fall 2010
Teacher(s):
STAVROS A. ANAGNOSTOPOULOS
Credits:
8
Date (from - to):
01/10/2010 – 20/02/2011
  • Dynamic loadings of structures. Equation of motion of Single Degree Of Freedom (SDOF) systems for ground excitations. Damping, free and forced vibrations of SDOF systems.
  • Brief introduction to earthquakes and to engineering seismology. (Causes of earthquakes, Earthquake magnitude, intensity, scales. Seismic hazard and risk.)
  • Earthquake ground motions, response and design spectra.
  • Dynamic Earthquake Analysis of Multi Degree Of Freedom Systems (MDOF) using the method of normal modes for time history and response spectrum solutions.
  • Elastic and inelastic structural response, plastic hinge model, ductility, ductility and behavior factors. Principles of earthquake resistant design, modern Codes. Special topics of earhquake resistant structures. New technologies.

Suggested readings:

  • Dynamics of Structures: Theory and applications to earthquake engineering. By A. Chopra, 3rd Edition, Prentice Hall.
  • Eurocode 8 (CEN-Brussels)
  • Handout notes by the instructor
  • Various published articles

Notes:

Prerequisites

  • Design of reinforced concrete linear elements.
  • Design of steel structural components.
  • Design of steel structures.
  • Design of reinforced concrete structures.
  • Structural dynamics.

Teaching and learning methods

Lectures accompanied by a series of about 5-6 homework assignments plus a term project, typically involving the dynamic earthquake analysis of a small building using commercial software such as ETABS, SAP, etc. 2 graduate students and the instructor are also available for answering questions.

Assessment and grading methods

A 3-hour final written exam. Successful completion and submission of all homework assignments and of the term project may count up to 2/10 for the final grade.