Fact for Steel Buildings - Earthquakes and Seismic Design


The information presented in this publication has been prepared in accordance with recognized engineering principles and is for general information only. While it is believed to be accurate, this information should not be used or relied upon for any specific application without competent professional examination and verification of its accuracy,





AISC © 2009

by

American Institute of Steel Construction

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suitability, and applicability by a licensed professional engineer, designer, or architect. The publication of the material contained herein is not intended as a representation or warranty on the part of the American Institute of Steel Construction or of any other person named herein, that this information is suitable for any general or particular use or of freedom from infringement of any patent or patents. Anyone making use of this information assumes all liability arising from such use.


Caution must be exercised when relying upon other specifications and codes developed by other bodies and incorporated by reference herein since such material may be modified or amended from time to time subsequent to the printing of this edition. The Institute bears no responsibility for such material other than to refer to it and incorporate it by reference at the time of the initial publication of this edition.


Printed in the United States of America

First Printing: November 2009


INTRODUCTION

Since the introduction of structural steel to building construction, in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, engineers have recognized that steel buildings and structures have performed extremely well compared with structures of other types of construction. One of the earliest and most dramatic examples of the ability of steel structures to withstand a strong earthquake occurred in the great San Francisco earthquake and fire of April 18, 1906. At that time, San Francisco’s urban center predominantly consisted of a mixture of light wood-framed and masonry bearing-wall construction. In addition, the city had approximately 30 high-rise buildings constructed

with complete vertical load-carrying steel frames and infill masonry walls.

The earthquake and fires that followed destroyed almost all of the timber and masonry

buildings, but left the steel frame structures. Most of these steel frame structures, which

were designed without any consideration of earthquake resistance, were repaired

and restored to service, and more than 20 of these structures remain in service today.


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