CHAPTER 2:RESPONSE

TO STRUCTURES
 Stiffness is the ability of a component or an assembly of components to resist
deformation when subjected to a actions.

 Strength is the capacity of a component or an assembly of components for

load resistance at a given response situation.

 Ductility is the ability of a component or an assembly to deform beyond the

elastic limit.

 Demand is the action or deformation imposed on a component or an assembly

of components when subjected to earthquake.

 Supply is the action or deformation capacity of a component or an assembly

of components when subjected to earthquake ground motion. Therefore, the
supply represents the response of the structure to the demand.
STRENGTH VERSUS DUCTILITY-BASED RESPONSE
Traditional forced-based seismic design has relied on force capacity
to resist the earthquake effects expressed as a set of horizontal
actions defined as a proportion of the weight of the structure.
FUNDAMNENTAL RESPONSE QUANTITIES

Stiffness and strength are not always related. For single structural
member, or a structure that employs only a single-mode structural
system (e.g. frames only, trusses only or walls only), they are
proportional. It is however, instructive to explore cases where they
are not proportional or their constant of proportionality can be
changed.
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC LIMIT STATES
Herein, in the context of establishing a common vocabulary through the
articulation of conceptual framework, generic limit states are discussed with
regard to the effect of earthquakes on vulnerable communities. When
subjected to small earthquakes, a society seeks the least disruption from
damage.
This may be considered an “uninterrupted use” limit state, and clearly most
correlated with structures having adequate stiffness to resist undergoing large
deformations.

When subjected to medium earthquakes, a society would tolerate disruption

to its endeavors, but would seek to minimize repair costs. This may be viewed
as a “controlled economic loss” limit state and is most related to the
structure having adequate strength so that the damage is limited.
STRUCTURAL RESPONSE CHARACTERISTICS
Stiffness
Stiffness defines the relationship between actions and deformations of a
structure and its components. Whereas members stiffness is a function of
section properties, length and boundary conditions, system stiffness is
primarily a function of the lateral resisting mechanism utilized

 Structures designed for vertical (gravity) loads generally possess

sufficient vertical stiffness.
 Horizontal components of these inertial forces are often dominant;
hence lateral (or horizontal) stiffness is of primary importance for
structural earthquake engineers.
FACTORS INFLUENCING STIFFNESS

I. Material Properties
II. Section Properties
III. Member Properties
IV. Connection Properties
V. System Properties