Analytical prediction of the collapse earthquake for R/C buildings: Suggested methodology

Abstract Criteria to be used for the analytical prediction of collapse of R/C buildings subjected to earthquake excitation are suggested. It is attempted to include in the criteria as many of the parameters involved as possible, while keeping the complexity, as well as the cost of analysis reasonably low. Two combined collapse criteria are finally suggested, corresponding to member failure and storey failure. Using these criteria, quantitative estimations can be obtained of the actual values of behaviour factors ( q ‐factors) used in modern seismic codes. The ground motion dependence of these factors, as well as the sensitivity of their calculated values to the assumption made about the stiffness of R/C members, is illustrated with reference to two typical structures.