Period-dependent seismic force reduction factors for short-period structures

The seismic force reduction factors proposed in the seismic provisions of the National Building Code of Canada 1990 (NBCC 1990) are examined using ground motion records from two recent Canadian earthquakes. The displacement ductility demands are analyzed for structural systems with different ductility capacity. It is found that the NBCC 1990 force reduction factors, which are period independent, lead to a very high ductility demand for short-period structural systems. To avoid this, two types of period-dependent force reduction factors for short-period structures are investigated. The results show that the linearly varying period-dependent reduction factor represents a viable means to resolve the high ductility problems associated with short-period structural systems. Key words: earthquake, seismic, design, code, response, spectra, ductility, reduction factor, base shear.