Engineering Know-How: Lessons from Earthquakes and Rules for Seismic Design - Dynamic Behavior of Concrete and Seismic Engineering - page 327

Chapter 9
Engineering Know-How:
Lessons from Earthquakes and
Rules for Seismic Design
9.1. Introduction
This chapter aims to show what can be learnt from the study of earthquakes,
describes the main failure modes of reinforced concrete and discusses how current
designs rely on these studies, as well as theoretical models, to improve structural
strength and ability to withstand earthquakes. .
Some items in the current PS92 French regulations [COL 95a] will be
approached, but all of the topics discussed are framed within the standards set by the
Eurocodes that are destined to replace them.
9.2. Lessons from earthquakes
The sudden application of seismic action to buildings amplifies their design and
building faults in a typical manner (Figure 9.1): poor architectural layouts, under-
dimensioning and brittle failure modes all become evident during structural damage
or collapse.