Keywords: performance-based design, reliability-based optimisation, evolutionary algorithms, pushover analysis, time-history analysis.

The application of the performance-based concept on the seismic design using alternative problem formulations is presented. The formulations discussed, are implemented within an automated design framework using an evolutionary structural optimisation algorithm that serves as a search engine. Such procedures are able to accommodate any advanced -linear or nonlinear, static or dynamic- analysis method and thus replace the conventional trial-and-error process with an algorithm capable of locating the most efficient design in terms of cost and performance. The variations discussed treat the seismic design problem in a deterministic or a probabilistic manner, with one or more objectives that represent the initial cost or the cost of future earthquake loss that may occur during the lifetime of the structure. The implementations presented are all consistent with the performance-based design concept taking into consideration the structural response at a number of limit-states, from serviceability to collapse prevention. The final designs always comply with the provisions of European design codes and offer significant cost reduction and improved control on the seismic demand and capacity.

purchase the full-text of this chapter (price £20)

go to the previous chapter
go to the next chapter
return to the table of contents
return to the book description
purchase this book (price £95 +P&P)