There are about 80 million single-family dwellings (SFD) in the United States, predominantly of wood-frame construction. Of these, 68% are owner occupied. A home is typically the largest single investment of a family, and is often not covered by earthquake insurance, even where it is available. Of all SFD in...
The response of adjacent structural systems to earthquake motions is investigated using the finite element framework OpenSees. Results of sensitivity analyses demonstrate that structural response quantities can increase in either or both of the adjacent structures for specific configurations. The structural models used include steel moment-resisting frames and rigid shear...
Base isolation is an alternative seismic design strategy in which the primary structures
and their internal components are uncoupled from the potentially damaging horizontal
components of an earthquake by base isolators which attenuate the transmission of
horizontal acceleration into the system. Rotating machines are among the key internal
components of...
Current bridge design codes do not account for the effects of duration of mega-thrust subduction zone earthquakes. Furthermore, codes and even recent performance-based design methodologies only make use of the peak response quantities (forces, displacements, and ductility demands) and do not account for the increased number of inelastic cycles that...
The research presented in this thesis assessed the use of high strength steel (HSS) reinforcement for use in reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns. HSS is not currently allowed in reinforced concrete bridge columns due to a lack of information on the material characteristics and performance information when used in RC...
Engineering analysis of heavy timber structures under dynamic loads
is generally lacking. Some literature suggests that heavy timber structures
are stiffer than expected, but popular engineering opinion is to the contrary.
In addition, prior research has shown that passive friction dampers can be
used in timber structures for the intended...
In this thesis, the effectiveness of the 100 percent + XX percent seismic response directional combination rule available in codes and standards is evaluated using simulated nonlinear seismic response of two existing multi-story reinforced concrete plan-irregular buildings. The 5-story and 8-story buildings were designed according to the 1975 seismic codes...
During the past several decades, earthquakes have caused extensive damage to
buildings, including wood-frame, single-family dwellings, in the United States. In
order to mitigate future losses, existing buildings in earthquake prone areas should be
evaluated for their seismic safety. This is also an important issue for buildings in
Oregon due...
Many publications, documents, codes and guidelines exist related to the seismic evaluation and rehabilitation design of existing buildings. This report discusses the assumptions and methods employed for investigation of two wood structures using four references: FEMA 154, FEMA 356, ASCEI per SEI 31, and 1997 UBC. The screening performed using...
The seismic performance of port structures has been well documented following
recent earthquakes, and indicates that port structures are highly susceptible to earthquake-induced
damages. These damages are primarily due to soil liquefaction and the associated
ground failures. Sheet pile bulkheads provide vital intermodal and lifeline transportation
links between water-side and...