Equivalent Static Method and Response Spectrum Method in Seismic Analysis

In seismic analysis of structures, Equivalent Static Analysis and Response Spectrum Analysis are two methods that analyze the elastic behavior of a structure, in other words, the behavior of the structure without considering any yields (plastic hinges). But how do they differ? Equivalent Static Analysis is the simplest most straightforward analysis, which will either suffice […]

Strut and Tie Method

This is a very useful method, which is also allowed by AASHTO or bridges and ACI 318 when designing concrete bridge and building structures respectively. By making use of this method, the stresses especially in members such as deep beams can be more realistically represented. The struts here represent the imaginary compression members of a […]

Why earthquake loads are considered when analyzing beams?

We must consider earthquake loads when analyzing all members of a structural system. A structure is a whole unit, inseparable from each other. One effect on one member has effect on other members. Therefore we can not just isolate beams and say “earthquake loads are lateral so why do we analyze beams for earthquake” At […]