Building Configuration and Seismic Design: The Architecture of Earthquake Resistance

摘要

A study was undertaken to determine how the architecture of a building affects its ability to withstand earthquakes and to provide information that will lead toward good practice in seismic design. Discussed are aspects of ground motion which are significant to building behavior. Provided are results of a survey of configuration decisions that affect the performance of buildings with a focus on the architectural aspects of configuration design. Configuration derivation, building type as it relates to seismic design, and seismic issues in the design process are examined. Case studies of the Veterans Administration Hospital in Loma Linda, California, and the Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, Japan, are presented. Both studies describe the seismic design process, paying special attention to the configuration issues. The need is stressed for guidelines, codes, and regulations to ensure design solutions that respect and balance the full range of architectural, engineering, and material influences on seismic hazards.