Development of a Comprehensive Linear Response History Analysis Procedure for Seismic Load Analysis

Abstract

This thesis reviews the parameters required to perform linear response history analysis according to Chapter 16 of the American Standard ASCE 7-10. A careful analysis is presented about the selection of ground motions using real records and using artificial records generated such that their response spectrum matches with a defined target spectrum; three different techniques are studied for the generation of these artificial records. Also, this document revises the scaling of ground motion techniques in the American Standard ASCE-7 as well as in other seismic codes. It presents a detailed analysis of the variables influencing the scaling of ground motions, and it suggests a new scaling technique for linear response history analysis. The assumptions made establishing the flexibility of the diaphragms are also analyzed as well as dynamic methods to include accidental torsion when doing a linear response history analysis. Other modeling issues such as the orientation of the ground motion axis, scaling of element forces and displacements, orthogonal loading, solution techniques, P-Delta effects, modeling of the basement, and calculation of drifts are also studied in the context of linear response history analysis. The thesis concludes with suggested code language for linear response history analysis intended to be considered in future editions of the American Standard ASCE 7.