Author(s)

E. Portillo-Garcia & G. Thierauf

Abstract

The potential of destruction of major earthquakes depends fundamentally on the ground motion history and on the capability of the structure to withstand strong earthquakes (vulnerability). Because of the impossibility to predict exactly the date, size and characteristics of earthquakes, an ad- equate design philosophy for seismic-resistant structures is needed. Based on the necessity to combine the aspects of economy and structural safety, modern seismic design philosophy allows for the dissipation of the large seismic energy input through inelastic deformations in critical regions. The research described herein focuses on the design of structures to withstand major earthquakes by directly taking into account the balance of ductility in all critical regions. The problem is formulated and solved as a mathematic

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