ProtaStructure can now calculate seismic loads in accordance with Philippines (NSCP2015) seismic code, which is an adaptation of UBC97.

After selecting the Earthquake Code via Parameter in Building Analysis dialog > Pre-analysis tab, pick Seismic Parameter to access the Seismic Parameters & settings.

Parameters

1. Spectrum Angle : Is the angle of the applied seismic forces with respect to the orientation of the structure on plan view; measured anti-clockwise from global horizontal.  For example, if a rectangular building is modelled at a rotated angle, then the spectrum angle should be changed accordingly.
   

Analysis

1. Apply Accidental Eccentricity (5%) :  Check to apply
   

1. Damping Ratio : User input according to building type
   

1. Number of Vibration Modes to Consider :  User input (recommended value = 15)
   

1. Structural Usage or Type :  Static field that appears on the reports. User can write anything here.
   

Structural Irregularities

Irregularities in Plan

1. Torsional Irregularity : Automatically detected
   

1. Diaphragm Discontinuity : User to evaluate & check if exist
   

1. Existence if Re-entrant Corners : User to evaluate & check if exist
   

1. Non parallel Axes of Structural Elements :  User to evaluate & check if exist
   

Irregularities in Elevation

1. Lateral Strength Discontinuity – Weak Storey : Automatically Detected
   

1. Stiffness Irregularity : Automatically Detected
   

1. Nonuniform Mass Distribution : Automatically Detected
   

1. Discontinuous Vertical Load Resisting Elements : User to evaluate & check if exist
   

1. Building with Setbacks : User to evaluate & check if exist
   

1. Inplane Discontinuity in Lateral Force-Resisting Member : Automatically Detected
   

Settings

The following are explanation of key inputs in “Settings” tab :

1. Check Relative InterStorey Drift :  Tick to perform check to Cl. 208.6.5.  Default drift limit is shown in the next input
   

1. Use user-defined interstorey drift limit ratio : Check to manually over-write the default ratio
   

1. Check Building Height :  Tick to perform check Cl. 208.4.7
   

1. Check Wall-Frame Interaction : User to decide
   

1. Check Second Order Effect : Tick to consider this effect using code based slenderness method
   

1. Check Strong Column – Weak Beam :  User to decide. Columns & beams must be designed first before this check can be done.
   

1. Perform Joint Shear Check :  User to decide.
   

1. Check Minimum Member Dimensions : User to decide
   

1. Check Building Overturning : User to decide
   

1. Check Cumulative Effective Mass Participation :  Tick to check for Cl 208.5.3.5.2
   

1. Compare RSA Results with Equivalent Static Load : Tick to consider Cl 208.5.3.5.4
   

1. Results Sign Method for RSA :  Use "Signs of dominant mode" or "Absolute Value".  Refer this article : Results Sign Method for Response Spectrum Analysis 
   

Important Notes / Scope / Limitations :

1. Refer to “Post-analysis Checks Report” in “Reports” tab for seismic analysis results & clause compliance.
   

1. Refer to "Post-Analysis Design Checks Report" in the "Reports" tab for specific seismic design checks such as "Strong Column - Weak beam" check. 
   

1. Elastic and design spectra are automatically calculated.
   

1. Maximum period of vibration checks is automatically made (Cl 208.5.2.2).
   

1. Applicability of Equivalent Static Method is automatically checked.
   

1. RSA results is automatically compared  with Equivalent Static Load in accordance to Cl 208.5.3.5.4  (if option is ticked in Settings tab). A scaling factor will be automatically applied if required.
   
2. Overstrength factors are automatically applied to design forces.
   

1. If there is a basement in the building, a two-stage approach is used to analyze the building. Basement and superstructure is analyzed separately in different load cases and the results are combined for the design. All these are done automatically (user input is not required).
   

1. Results for cracked and uncracked section analysis can be combined in same design combination.
   

1. For “Joint Shear Check” the stirrups (links) are not considered.
   
2. ​CQC (Complete Quadratic Combination) method is used to combine modal responses. This method is superior and preferable, compared to SRSS since SRSS is a special case of CQC.