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Earthquake analysis and design of steel frames with interactive computer graphics

Thesis/Dissertation ·
OSTI ID:6926386

The main contributions of the research presented here are the development of an interactive computer-aided approach for earthquake-resistant design of two and three-dimensional steel frames and the establishment of rational approximate nonlinear dynamic analysis techniques suitable for seismic design. The work particularly addresses the problems related to performing designs using three-dimensional dynamic analyses of the building. The research is conducted in an advanced interactive computer-graphics environment. Capabilities for graphical display and two-way communication between the user and the computer are employed for data preparation, control of the analysis/design process, and response evaluation by portraying effects such as the dynamic display of the mode shapes of vibration for a structure. The integrated system allows earthquake analysis and design at several levels: from code-related equivalent static load procedures, through linear and approximate nonlinear dynamic analysis methods, to advanced nonlinear techniques. Several examples are employed to evaluate the approximate techniques for predicting realistic nonlinear behavior of structures subject to earthquakes. In addition, two examples are presented to demonstrate the capabilities for redesign and for evaluating the safety of a structure.

Research Organization:
Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (USA)
OSTI ID:
6926386
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English