State-of-the-Art Review on Seismic Design of Steel Structures

Abstract

This state-of-the-art review provides an overview of the evolution of seismic design requirements for main steel building seismic force–resisting systems, as driven by new developments, the 1994 Northridge, California, earthquake, and changes in earthquake engineering practice in the United States. Important aspects of these systems in terms of ductility design and capacity design are highlighted. Recent developments in practice related to innovative systems are touched upon. The work presented here is intended to provide the reader with an appreciation of why the current seismic design requirements for steel structures are as framed, highlighting in the process several unresolved issues and inconsistencies that will require attention in future research. Implications of the Christchurch, New Zealand, rebuilding after the 21–211 earthquakes there for future U.S. seismic code development are also presented.