Collapse-based seismic design method

Continuing the structural analysis until the model reaches its ultimate capacity using an incremental nonlinear time history analysis can incorporate all the behavioral complexities of the structure. This approach ensures that all factors influencing the seismic behavior of structures, which can be simulated in numerical modeling, are fully considered in the analysis. This technique addresses many shortcomings in seismic analysis and structural design, using simple criteria for the accurate design of members. With this perspective, this paper explores the collapse-based seismic design method and provides an approach to determine the ultimate tolerable seismic intensity for a structure, or an appropriate collapse seismic intensity. It also establishes design criteria based on the maximum capacity of structural members under maximum loading and utilizes the endurance time method to perform incremental nonlinear time history analysis quickly and easily. Evaluations show that models designed using this method achieve the desired performance level at different seismic hazard levels, provide sufficient seismic capacity, meet all minimum requirements of the seismic code and standards, and are optimized. Therefore, the procedure presented in this paper is introduced for the analysis, design, evaluation, and retrofitting of structures with simple, accurate, and uniform principles.