Home Seismic design

Ductility

The ductility of the lateral force resisting system affects the level of earthquake design forces.

When ductility is needed, it is usually provided in connections in the vertical elements of the lateral force resisting system, not in the floor diaphragms.

 

The benefits of ductile design are that:

  • The building can be designed for lateral forces less than those required for elastic response.
  • The building is likely to remain standing if it is subjected to an earthquake larger than the design earthquake.

 

The PDF below contains design information on the ductility of connections, including:

  • Effect of displacement.
  • Effect of connection geometry.
  • Overstrength factor.

 

Ductility of connections - Printable PDF

 

Source: Courtesy Timber Design Guide, 2007