Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

1. INTRODUCTION
Performance Based Seismic Design is a seismic design methodology which
enables the engineer to design buildings that have predictable and reliable
performance in earthquakes. PBSD method assessment is based on the realistic
behaviour of a structure when subjected to a particular or generalised earthquake
ground motion. This realistic performance of a structure is not taken into
consideration for a design based on a prescribed lateral force. And hence the
structure designed has a lesser capacity to withstand the forces due to postulated
earthquake ground motion.
PBSD concept assumes that the capacity of the structure to withstand the
earthquake ground motion is based on its yielding capacity into inelastic range
and its ductility property. The various design procedures used to study the seismic
performance are usually based on linear elastic structural behaviour which does
not provide us with the accurate damage level. As PBSD primarily focus on real
behaviour of the structure with a clear understanding about expected damage and
its regulation, non-linear structural analysis is conducted.
One of the most widely followed non-linear static procedure to conduct
performance based seismic design is by Capacity spectrum method (CSM).This
method conducts performance analysis of a structure by comparing the capacity
of the structure with the demands of earthquake ground motion on the structure.
The capacity represented by the capacity curve is obtained by push over analysis
and the demand curve obtained by response spectrum. Both the curves are
converted to a common format mainly acceleration displacement response spectra
format (ADRS) which facilitates superimposing of two curves. The intersection of
both the curves provides us with the performance point.

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

The respective spectral displacement for the performance point provides us with
the performance level and the plastic hinge formation due to inelastic behaviour
of the structure. Based on these results the performance of the structure can be
analysed and if not to the acceptable limits it is redesigned based on the plastic
hinge formation details obtained. Hence PBSD can be used in evaluating an
existing structure based on its damage states, design verification of construction
of new buildings or to design a building according to the performance level
provided.

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

2. LITERATURE REVIEW
2.1. PERFORMANCEBASED

SEISMIC

REHABILITATION

OF

DAMAGED REINFORCED CONCRETE

BUILDINGS
Journal Of Structural Engineering And Technology, Vol.130,October
1, 2004, ASCE
Haluk Sucuoglu, Turel Gur and M.Selim Gunay concluded a cost
effective realistic solution for the rehabilitation of vulnerable medium rise
buildings in seismic regions. The conclusion was made by conducting a
study on different seismic analysis procedure linear and non linear
which emphasis on performance based evaluation of buildings.
The evaluation was conducted on two reinforced concrete buildings
which were located in the towns of Dinar and Ceyhan in Turkey. The
initial objective determined the performance based on interstorey drift
ratios by a non-linear static procedure the capacity spectrum method and
time history analysis a non-linear dynamic analysis. The performance
values of buildings proved that both the approaches are successful. Linear
approach values were hence proven effective for low rise and medium
rise buildings.
Haluk et.al hence evaluated the performance rehabilitated building by the
mentioned procedures. The rehabilitation methodology was implementing
shear wall system. This was found to achieve life safety performance.
2.2. SEISMIC DAMAGE EVALUATION IN URBAN AREAS USING
THE CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD: APPLICATION TO
BARCELONA,
Journal of Soil Dynamics And Earthquake Engineering (2008)
Alex H.Barbat, Luis G.Pujades, Nieves Lantada conducted a study on the
extend of vulnerability of buildings in Barcelona, Spain. The evaluation
was carried out by employing capacity spectrum method. The method
employed as a damage evaluation technique where the capacity curves
and demand curves are obtained for the targeted buildings. Alex et.al used
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

a computer code RUAUMOKO to obtain the capacity curve. The demand

curve where obtained as response spectra assuming 5% damping. The
superimposing of both the curves to determine the performance point is
carried out by the procedure given in ATC-40 (procedure A). Alex et.al
analysed the area by 5 damage states none, slight, moderate, sever and
complete. In order to characterize the structural damage in a probabilistic
way fragility curves were incorporated. Hence Alex et.al developed a
seismic risk scenarios based on building to building analysis.
The area under consideration was proved vulnerable even though area
was low-to-moderate seismic region. A wide vulnerability range was
found for both masonry and reinforced concrete buildings analysed by
CSM method. Hence the method was proved good for risk management,
emergency planning, prevention and preparedness.
2.3. DEVELOPMENT

AND

APPLICATION

OF

ADVANCED

CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD

Journal Of Structural Engineering(2008)
Bora Gencturk and Amr S.Elnashai identified the inaccuracies relating to
the existing capacity spectrum method which incorporates elastic
response spectra and put forward a new advanced capacity spectrum
methodology which consider the inelastic response history analysis.
Here initial set of performance point values are determined by the
existing CSM method. From the set of values a bilinear representation is
developed.

The demand or response curve is obtained from inelastic response history

analysis defined by bilinear representation. The capacity curve is the
same as obtained from the usual CSM method. Both curves intersect to
give the performance point providing the respective displacement demand
imposed on the structure. Bora and Amr proposed advanced CSM method
minimizing limitation of using linear response values and inaccuracy
caused due to approximations.
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2.4. DEVELOPMENT

AND

USE

OF

CAPACITY

SPECTRUM

METHOD
6th US NCEE conference on earthquake engineering/Eeri, Seattle,
Washington
Sigmund A. Freeman reviewed the history and uses of capacity spectrum
method and had made up a conclusion about its usefulness as a seismic
evaluation tool. CSM originated as a rapid evaluation technique has gone
through different stages of development to its present state. It is one of
the procedures considered in performance based engineering (PBE). The
method mottos at finding the response of the structure based on the
capacity and demand curves obtained for the structure.
The capacity curve or the pushover curve is obtained by the pushover
analysis. The curve is base shear v/s displacement graph of the structure
with respect to the load provided during the analysis. Its conversion to
ADRS format gives us the capacity spectrum curve which is spectral
acceleration (Sa) v/s spectral displacement (Sd) graph. The demand curve
is shown by the earthquake response spectra represented for various
levels of damping. For a linear elastic response spectrum mainly 5%
damping is chosen. The response spectrum is generally plotted as
spectral displacement v/s time which is then converted to S a and Sd
format. Hence both curves can be plot together whose intersection gives
the performance point or the point where the structure shows inelastic
response. The procedure is explained in ATC-40, 1996.Freeman
summarised CSM method following the ADRS format as an effective
tool in building evaluation. This appeared compatible with other inelastic
design and evaluation methods.
2.5. CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD FOR R.C BUILDING WITH
CRACKED AND UNCRACKED SECTION
IOSR Journal of Mechanical and Civil Engineering, Volume
10(2013)
Dubal A.C and Dr.D.N.Shinde employed capacity spectrum method to
evaluate the performance level of a structure with cracked section and
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

uncracked section were studied. Dubal and Shinde conducted this study
on a G+10 R.C.C building. This made them compare the performance
level of both the sections based on the performance point obtained for
both the cases. The capacity curve of the structure is obtained by
conducting the pushover analysis. The modeling and analysis were
carried out in SAP-2000. The parameters like base shear, displacement
and interstorey drift for both the sections were determined.
Dubal and Shinde could conclude from the greater values of load
carrying capacity obtained for uncracked section proves the decrease of
load capacity of a cracked section. Also the addition of shear wall system
to the cracked section improved the values of the load capacity of the
structure.
2.6. SEISMIC RESPONSE OF RC BUILDING STRUCTURES USING
CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD WITH INCLUDED SOIL
FLEXIBILITY
14th Earthquake Engineering And Engineering Seismology, 2010
G.N.Cvetanovska, R.Apostolska and J.Cvetanovska, E.Vasseva,
Z.Bonev, D.Blagov studied the seismic response of R.C building
structure by capacity spectrum method by studying the performance
variation with variation in soil flexibility. Cvetanovska et.al could
conclude the influence of soil characteristics in the seismic behaviour of
the structure.
This made into a consideration of soil flexibility characteristics in the
performance based design of buildings. The study was conducted on 2D
and 3D R.C building where RC walls are primary bearing elements. The
capacity curve is obtained by pushover analysis done in SAP 2000.
The analysis results are target displacement determined for 2D and 3D
for different soil conditions. The target displacement values as per study
were increased with soil softness. This results in a case where the soil
fails before yielding. Better results were obtained for stiffer soil. It was
concluded that soil deformations are to be taken into account in the
capacity curves.

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

2.7. SEISMIC

PERFORMANCE

STUDY

OF

BRIDGE

USING

PUSHOVER ANALYSIS
Proceedings of 9th IRF International Conference, Pune, India, 18th
May. 2014, ISBN: 978-93-84209-20-9
P.S. Lande, A.D.Yawale conducted a performance analysis on an existing
bridge located in Badnera highway. The performance analysis method
employed was capacity spectrum method which is a non linear static
analysis method. The CSM method was conducted as per the procedure
given in ATC 40. The target displacement for the performance point
obtained is compared with the performance level displacement values
obtained by following the procedure in ATC 40. Lande et.al lead to a
result where the bridge under consideration would fail before reaching
the target displacement. Hence retrofitting is to be conducted. Based on
the maximum load coming the hinge formation are studied along with
base shear and displacement values. Retrofitting methods can be
employed by studying the hinge formation.
2.8. CAPACITY

SPECTRUM

ANALYSIS

FOR

PRESTRESSED

CONCRETE BRIDGES
Proceedings Of International Conference on Advances in Design and
Construction of Structures 2012
Sreeraj Sreevilasan K and Dr. M. A .Chakrabarti performed the
performance analysis of a prestressed concrete bridge by the capacity
spectrum method. A hypothetical model is studied in SAP 2000. The
procedure starts with analyzing the bridge for deal loads, live loads and
response spectra. This enables determination of possible hinges. The
details of which are explained in ATC 40.
Now the model is analysed for capacity spectrum analysis. The base
shear and displacement values, the performance level by the intersection
of capacity and demand spectrum are obtained.
The performance objective was collapse prevention. The result of
performance analysis concludes the bridge is safe for the given response
spectra as it was designed by IS 1893.

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

The method explains the progressive collapse of bridge for a given

seismic action. This helps in determining the possible hinge formations
and retrofitting and additional detailing at those areas would increase the
performance of the bridge.
2.9. SEISMIC PERFORMANCE EVALUATION OF EXISTING RC
BUILDINGS
DESIGNED AS PER PAST CODES OF PRACTICE, Indian
Academy of Sciences ,Vol. 37, Part 2, April 2012
K Rama Raju, A Cintha and Nagesh R Iyer found essential to determine
the performance of the buildings that are designed based on

present

codes IS:1893 and IS:456. Here the four design cases where taken into
consideration as per provisions in three revisions of IS: 1893 and IS: 456
(Table 2.1). It is analysed by incorporating user defined non linear
default hinge properties and default hinges according to FEMA-356 and
ATC-40.
Table.2.1.Load cases

CAS
E

IS:456

IS:1893

LOAD
COMBINATION

1S:456 1964

DL+LL

IS:456 1964

IS:1893 1966

DL+EQL

IS:456 1978

IS:1893 1984

1.5(DL+EQL)

4
IS:456 2000
IS:1893 2002
1.5(DL+EQL)
.
The analysis was carried out in SAP 2000. The structure under
consideration was a 6-stored reinforced concrete R.C frame building.
Here the demand of the building is determined by the capacity spectrum
method. The performance level through the performance point, the base
shear and displacement values for four cases are obtained. Rama et.al
observed that the base shear value varies with the revisions of code.
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

The present codes showed a higher lateral capacity compared to before.

This ensures the requirement of retrofitting of structures built by past
codes. Case 4 showed a better resistance value. Also incorporating user
defined hinge properties provides
better base shear capacity than default hinges. Hence it could be justified
that the capacity of user defined hinges could follow proper hinging
mechanism in a realistic manner.

2.10. APPLICATION OF THE CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD TO

R.C. BUILDINGS WITH
BEARING WALLS
12th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 2000
Kaspar Peter and Marc Badoux focused on the study of application of
capacity spectrum method to R.C structures with bearing walls. The
efficiency of CSM method is checked by the values obtained from the non
linear dynamic analysis. The study was conducted on a 9 storey R.C bearing
wall building. The analysis obtained the interstorey drift. The values
compared with the non linear time history analysis shows a similarity in the
values obtained which revealed CSM to be a useful tool in seismic response
analysis.
2.11. CAPACITY SPECTRUM FOR STRUCTURES ASYMMETRIC IN
PLAN
13th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (2004)
B.K. Raghu Prasad, A.Seetha Ramaiah and A.K.Sing studied the performance of
buildings that are asymmetric in plan using capacity spectrum method. The
capacity curve is obtained by the push over analysis. The whole modeling and
analysis where conducted with the help SAP 2000. The capacity curves are
obtained for different eccentricity. It was observed that the capacity curve could
bring a clear understanding about the formation of hinges. The intersection of the
capacity curve and demand spectra in ADRS format would give the performance
point which gives the required ductility corresponding to the yield level of the
structure.
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

2.12. SEISMIC

EVALUATION

OF

PRESTRESSED

CONCRETE

BRIDGES BY USING DCM, CSM AND SPECTRUM ANALYSIS

World Applied Sciences Journal 8(2):210-216, 2010
Alireza Rahai, Babak Alipour Gorji and Farzad Hatami evaluated the
seismic performance of two models of existing bridges constructed by
cantilever method.
The study focuses on a comparison of two non-linear static analysis
methods Displacement coefficient method (DCM) and capacity spectrum
method (CSM). The performance values of CSM where obtained from the
pushover analysis conducted. The target displacements by both the methods
are determined for the two models. Alireza et.al observed that the target
displacement obtained for both the methods are similar values.
2.13. INFLUENCE OF CAPACITY DESIGN METHOD ON THE
SEISMIC RESPONSE OF R/C COLUMNS
Eleventh World Conference on Earthquake engineering
A.J. Kappos and A. Tsakas studied the response of reinforced column under
seismic action. As the capacity design method works based on the concept
of weak beam strong column it is very essential to evaluate the vertical
members which act as the primary load carrying members in reinforced
buildings. The study was conducted on a multi storey building and the
design procedure was based on Eurocode 8. From the capacity spectrum
analysis done it was proved that capacity spectrum method could provide
safety against the failure caused due to seismic action. This was facilitated
by the hinging action. The study could also conclude that there is reduce
cost of materials comparing to the cost based on regular code methods.
2.14.
DEVELOPMENT
OF
THE
RESIDUAL
SEISMIC
CAPACITY EVALUATIONSYSTEM WITH CAPACITY SPECTRUM
METHOD
Tenth U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Frontiers of
Earthquake Engineering, July 21-25, 2014, Alaska
Koichi Kusunoki, Akira Tasai, Masaomi Teshigaawara and Daiki Hinata
developed the real-time residual seismic capacity evaluation system, which needs
only few relatively inexpensive accelerometers.. The validity of the proposed
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

method to derive the capacity curve from measured accelerations is confirmed with
the actual response of an existing building during the 2011 Tohoku Earthquake,
shaking table test with full-scale 3-story R/C structure and 1/3 scale 1-story R/C
structure.

A capacity curve decomposition method using the Wavelet transform

method was proposed. The actual damage of the existing building during the 2011
Tohoku Earthquake was successfully evaluated. From the shaking table tests with
one-span-one-bay 3-story full-scale structure and one span-one-bay single-story
structure, it can be said that the proposed method is valid not only for elastic
response range, but also for non-linear response range. The first mode response
can be taken from the measured response of a multi-degree-of freedom system
with the Wavelet transform method. Residual displacement can be eliminated by
the Wavelet transform method, since the permanent residual displacement is
considered an extremely long period component and eliminated with error
component during the Wavelet transform. Even if the permanent residual
displacement is large, the capacity curve can be derived accurately up to the
stiffness degrading point.
2.15. THE CAPACITY SPECTRUM METHOD:EVALUATION
AGAINST THE MEASURED RESPONSE OF NINE-STORY
STRUCTURE
Tenth U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Frontiers of
Earthquake Engineering, July 21-25, 2014, Alaska
Y.Wang and S.Pujol conducted a study on the response of a nine storey reinforced
concrete building which was subjected to two major earthquakes. The response of
the structure was determined during the earthquakes. The structure was evaluated
by capacity spectrum method and respective response value was determined. The
comparison of two values for each earthquake is done. The response values are
determined in terms of displacement. The displacements computed using
CSM differ from the measured displacement by 14% to 36% for
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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

the first earthquake and by 2% to 10% for second earthquake.

Here Wang and Pujol used CSM method as a method to evaluate
the present condition of the structure studied.

3. SUMMARY
The literature studies conducted proved capacity spectrum method as an
efficient method for the performance evaluation of structures. The
realistic non-linear behaviour of structure beyond its elastic limit is taken
as the basis of this method. Most conventional method does not follow
this concept.
The Capacity design method is a design approach in which the structures
are designed so that hinges can only be formed at predetermined positions
and sequences. These hinges could be identified by the capacity spectrum
analysis. Hence it could relate the strength and ductility of the structure.
This method due to its realistic behaviour is hence considered widespread
as a performance based design method. Though non-linear dynamic
analysis ought to give more accurate results, due to its complexity and
time consuming nature CSM method gains more applicability.
Most of the studies are done on reinforced buildings. It is found
successful in newly designed as well as for retrofitting of damaged
structures. The PBD based design approach on bridges is found less. As
most of the bridges are designed and constructed with outdated standards
it is very essential to evaluate their performance and design accordingly.
Non-linear static analysis like capacity spectrum method is effective to
study the seismic response of structure like bridges.

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

4. PROJECT WORK
4.1. PROJECT TOPIC
Performance Based Seismic Analysis of a Bridge Pier by Force Method and
Capacity Spectrum Method
4.2. OBJECTIVE
1. To study the performance of an elevated bridge pier designed by Force
Based design method (FBD) and Capacity Spectrum method (CSM)
2. The study the performance based on Capacity spectrum Analysis
3. To study and compare the suitability of both method based on
performance parameter
4.3. METHODOLOGY
1. Literature study
2. Geometry of a pier is considered
3. Design of the pier by
1. Force method(Based on IS:1893(Part 1):2002
2. Capacity Spectrum method
4. Modeling done in SAP 2000
5. Performance analysis done by Non-linear static analysis-Push over
analysis
5.1Determine the performance parameters
5.1.1Base shear

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Performance Based Seismic Design by Capacity Spectrum Method

5.1.2 Drift
5.1.3 Ductility factor
6. Determination of capacity curve and demand curve
7. Determine the performance point-compare the performance level-Performance
level obtained from FEMA 236

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