Inverse Sustainable Seismic Design

Inverse sustainable seismic design (ISSD) is a new concept that reverses the steps involved in conventional analysis (CSD) for determination of ultimate capacities at target distortions to working backward from incipient collapse, to investigate the best options for seismic sustainability. CSD aims at compliance with codes with no guaranties for life safety nor collapse prevention. ISSD assures collapse prevention with a view to aftershock safety, environmental protection and post-earthquake realignment and repairs (PERR). The difference between the two is in the inverse method where postearthquake abilities of the structure are as important as its response during the event. The quest for sustainable seismic design (SSD) began two decades ago and is still not part of contemporary collage curricula nor seismic design guidelines (SDGs). The paper presents ISSD as an efficient approach that results in higher performance levels than those recommended by current SDGs. SSD can be accomplished using commonly available means and materials of construction without overlooking mainstream requirements. In the interim the concepts of P-delta suppression, removal of residual effects. effective stiffnesses, and ultimate load distribution have also been introduced. Concept details for SSD have been presented in the appendices.