This is a Research Initiation project for FY 88 1. The objectives of this research are: (1) to calibrate the overstrength of typical building structures; and (2) to incorporate the overstrength into the derivation of inelastic seismic design spectra. A series of typical multi-story building structures in high seismic risk regions will be designed according to the ATC 3-06 seismic provisions. The strengths of these structures will be calculated using nonlinear structural analysis computer programs. The overstrength will be evaluated by comparing the actual and the nominal design yield strengths. Then the inelastic response spectra will be constructed for different earthquake records by considering the damping, ductility and overstrength evaluated from the first stage. Without considering the overstrength, current procedures for generating inelastic design spectra are semi- empirical. Rational inelastic seismic design spectra for buildings will be developed through this research.
