Earthquake and Seismic Analysis of Buildings -The Difficulties Examined

Abstract

Earthquakes result in sudden loss of lives and properties. It is unpredictable in nature with complexity in predicting responses. The codes and standards all over the world are evolving with new models/methods to predict precisely the structural response, which is not an easy task. This article reviews the earthquake mechanisms, the standard provisions for resisting the forces induced by earthquakes. All the major methods of modeling structural responses examined and the difficulties identified. The inadequacy and Imprecision of seismic analyses presented with respect to major codes, which should be addressed for improvement.