Journal of Geotechnical Engineering Original Research
Seismic-Resilient Structural Systems: Geotechnical Engineering
Abstract
Earthquakes represent one of the most destructive natural hazards, capable of causing severe structural damage, loss of life, and substantial economic disruption. Seismic waves propagating through the ground can induce excessive forces and deformations in buildings, often leading to partial or complete collapse. Statistical records indicate that thousands of earthquakes occur globally each year, including several major events that result in significant damage. Past earthquake disasters have repeatedly demonstrated that structural failure, particularly of inadequately designed buildings, is the primary cause of casualties, thereby emphasizing the necessity for earthquake-resistant construction practices. Although it is not feasible to design structures that are entirely immune to seismic damage, earthquake-resistant design focuses on enhancing structural performance and ensuring life safety under expected seismic demands. Current building codes require structures to be designed to withstand the maximum credible earthquake with a reasonable probability of occurrence at a given site. Modern earthquake engineering has evolved through the integration of experimental investigations, numerical simulations, and observations from historical seismic events to achieve reliable and efficient seismic performance. This paper discusses various techniques and design strategies aimed at improving the seismic resistance of structures. Earthquake-resistant structural design has emerged as a multidisciplinary field, incorporating advancements in probabilistic seismic analysis, performance-based design methodologies, innovative structural systems and energy-dissipation devices, and the use of non-conventional materials. Furthermore, recent developments in advanced analytical tools enable more accurate prediction of structural response by accounting for material nonlinearity, strength and stiffness degradation under cyclic loading, geometric effects, and, critically, soil–structure interaction. These advancements collectively contribute to the development of safer and more resilient structures in seismically active regions.
Keywords
References (10)
- Ortega J, Vasconcelos G, Rodrigues H, Correia M, Lourenço PB. Traditional earthquake resistant techniques for vernacular architecture and local seismic cultures: A literature review. Journal of Cultural Heritage. 2017;27:181-196. doi:10.1016/j.culher.2017.02.015
- Fang C, Wang W, Qiu C, Hu S, MacRae GA, Eatherton MR. Seismic resilient steel structures: A review of research, practice, challenges and opportunities. Journal of Constructional Steel Research. 2022;191:107172. doi:10.1016/j.jcsr.2022.107172
- Ellingwood BR. Earthquake risk assessment of building structures. Reliability Engineering & System Safety. 2001;74(3):251-262. doi:10.1016/s0951-8320(01)00105-3
- Kurama YC, Sritharan S, Fleischman RB, Restrepo JI, Henry RS, Cleland NM, et al. Seismic-Resistant Precast Concrete Structures: State of the Art. Journal of Structural Engineering. 2018;144(4). doi:10.1061/(asce)st.1943-541x.0001972
- Leelataviwat S, Goel SC, Stojadinovic B. Performance-based plastic design (PBPD) method for earthquake-resistant structures. Struct Des Tall Spec Build. 2009;19(1–2):115–137.
- Yenidogan C. Earthquake-Resilient Design of Seismically Isolated Buildings: A Review of Technology. Vibration. 2021;4(3):602-647. doi:10.3390/vibration4030035
- Associate Professor, School of Architecture, Galgotias University. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India., Choudhary K, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Galgotias University. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India., Fatima B, Assistant Professor, School of Architecture, Galgotias University. Greater Noida, Uttar Pradesh 201310, India. Emergence of Earthquake Resistant Buildings: Review of Earthquake Resistant Tall Buildings of India. Indian Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology. 2022;14(2(SpecialIssue)):386-394. doi:10.21088/ijfmp.0974.3383.14221.54
- Arya AS, Boen T, Ishiyama Y. Earthquake Resistant Design of Masonry Buildings. Singapore: World Scientific Publishing; 1999.
- Guaygua B, Sánchez-Garrido AJ, Yepes V. A systematic review of seismic-resistant precast concrete buildings. Structures. 2023;58:105598. doi:10.1016/j.istruc.2023.105598
- Froozanfar M, Moradi S, Kianoush R, Speicher MS, Di Sarno L. Review of self-centering rocking systems for earthquake-resistant building structures: State of the art. Journal of Building Engineering. 2024;84:108607. doi:10.1016/j.jobe.2024.108607