Constant-ductility strength demand spectra for seismic design of structures

In displacement-based seismic design, constant-ductility strength demand spectra (CDSDS) are very useful for preliminary design of new structures where the global displacement ductility capacity is known. The CDSDS can provide the required inelastic lateral strength of new structures from the required elastic lateral strength. Based on a statistical study of nonlinear time-history for an SDOF system, the mean CDSDS corresponding to four site conditions are presented and approximate expressions of the inelastic spectra are proposed, which are functions of the structural period and ductility level. The effects of site conditions, structural period, level of ductility, damping and post-yield stiffness of structures on CDSDS are also investigated. It is concluded that site conditions, ductility level and structural period have important effects on the CDSDS and damping, post-yield stiffness effects are rather complex and of minor importance. The damping, post-yield stiffness effects depend on both the level of ductility and the natural period of structures.