Optimum structural design based on seismic reliability and response distribution

An analytical approach to the optimum structural design parameters is developed on the basis of seismic reliability and inter-story response distribution. An earthquake-like stationary random excitation being assumed, probabilistic earthquake response is estimated as the solution of a simple simultaneous algebraic equation. Based on this probabilistic earthquake response, the optimum parameters are determined by selecting seismic structural reliability and an inter-story response distribution index as objective functions. The validity of this approach is demonstrated by examining the perspective and contour lines of the objective functions regarded as a function of design parameters for elastic structural systems with six degrees of freedom. The possible application of this approach is also presented to the determination of elasto-plastic structural parameters with bi-linear hysteretic characteristics. Other aspects of the approach's validity are also examined from the response distribution viewpoint for the elastic structural system with recorded strong earthquake motions. The influence of the higher modal response and the earthquake's predominant angular frequency on the optimum parameters are also discussed.