Planet Earth is in many ways a violent and unstable home, subject to tremendously powerful natural forces. In specific zones, earthquakes necessitate the need for steel building design for earthquakes to create safer structures that can withstand the impact of these phenomenal forces that can affect us at any moment without warning.
For years scientists did extensive studies, pouring millions of dollars into research to discover the best construction materials and designs to withstand the elemental forces of nature. Steel was found to be vastly more flexible and able to withstand greater forces than standard concrete.
Steel has become a mainstay in the construction of earthquake resistant buildings due to its highly ductile nature. The material alone cannot save a building, but the way that it is designed and used within the overall structure is integral to the durability of the structure during an earthquake.
The number one factor for consideration before any other is the weight distribution of the structures within the design. For earthquake safety, the lower stories should contain the bulk of the weight, using lighter materials for the construction of the upper stories. A top heavy building is far more likely to tumble in an earthquake than one where the bulk of the load is nearer the foundations.
The introduction of steel rebar in the lower foundations and stories of any building contribute greatly to its overall stability. Different, lighter materials should be considered for the upper floors. Safety is a very important consideration, particularly taking into account that most buildings are high traffic areas with thousands of people entering and leaving during a standard day.
Considerate planning and careful construction can ensure a structurally sound building able to withstand the onslaught of a major earthquake. This alone can reduce the cost of reconstruction work after an earthquake and may save many lives. An inadequate structure will not withstand an earthquake and could collapse, damaging surrounding buildings.
The successful design elements are many, but a few standard ones include the use of trusses, eccentrically braced frames, diaphragms, concentrically braced frames and shear walls, to name but a few. The inclusion of diaphragms is so that the horizontal forces can be more easily absorbed and dissipated throughout the frame of the structure.
The design path taken by the architect will be greatly affected by the buildings general purpose and function. A different design would be adopted to accommodate a school or a hotel than the design for a medical institution or library. Keep weight distribution in mind, with heavier loads being assigned to lower floors and more towards the central core of the building.
Symmetry is always important and makes for a stronger overall design as asymmetrical designs offer lower structural strength. Specific steel rolled products like boxed W bars, I bars, H bars and the flanged cruciform are just some of the items that will add to the flexibility and strength of a structure. These are mostly used for the upper stories of a building because they are more lightweight than solid steel rebar.
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