In engineering concerned with the design and construction of earthquake-resistant buildings, one of the most sensitive issues is the correct application of seismic forces. Among other parameters, these are intrinsically dependent on the project location, in other words, the type of soil in which the foundations of the project are set. Indeed, different geophysical soil conditions will generate different specific behaviours of the building.
With the help of computer programmes, we can simulate the forces acting on buildings, as well as the different movements and deformations they are subjected to over different periods of time. In this way, we can decide whether their specific structural configuration complies with national and international for the design of earthquake-resistant buildings.
In order to obtain the seismic response spectra of different soils and to evaluate their behaviour when subjected to seismic vibrations, one of the most frequently used parameters in seismic engineering is the acceleration response spectrum (Sa). This is obtained from the seismic record of each zone, according to the specifications compiled in different standards such as ASCE-7, EUROCODE 8 or others.
It is also possible to obtain these spectra by a seismic hazard study, or by a site response analysis. These studies and analyses are commonly applied to projects of vital importance to the community, such as transport routes, hydroelectric power plants, hospitals and many others.
By Jean Carlos Soto, Senior Structural Engineer in Amusement Logic’s Architecture Dept.
