Affiliation:
1. Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, University of Windsor, 401 Sunset Ave., Windsor, ON N9B 3P4, Canada
Abstract
In Canada, most single-family wood-frame residential structures in seismically hazardous regions are constructed according to Part 9 of Division B of the National Building Code (or similar provincial standards) using nonengineering methods. These structures are expected to perform well during an earthquake regarding life safety but may sustain severe economic losses. Seismic isolation is an emerging technology that provides excellent life safety and economic performance. While this technology has proven effective at protecting structures from earthquakes, no nonengineering methodologies exist that are compatible with Part 9 methods. This limitation produces significant testing, design, and cost barriers that restrict the application of base isolation on vulnerable Part 9 structures. To eliminate or reduce these cost barriers, a program framework was developed to perform the engineering seismic design and analysis for a base-isolated Part 9 single-family residential structure. The proposed methodology further encourages the application of seismic isolation to Part 9 structures.
Publisher
Canadian Science Publishing
Subject
General Environmental Science,Civil and Structural Engineering