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Research Needs Reports 
Earthquake Resistant Design
Earthquake Resistant Design
2009
- Research Required to Support Full Implementation of Performance-Based Seismic Design (NIST GCR 09-917-2) PDF 595KB New!
Synopsis: This report identifies the research required for the nation to take full advantage of performance-based seismic design (PBSD) by describing 37 research topics in some detail. The bulk of this research is aimed at generating in-depth data about the performance, over a full range of seismic loadings, of building materials, systems, and components found in both new and older buildings. These data will serve as the basis for a library of fragilities—mathematical relationships between seismic loading and damage—that is sufficient to model most buildings in this country. A second highly critical task is to determine the performance expected from use of prescriptive code or standards requirements in designing new buildings and retrofitting existing buildings. The results of this task will not only improve the codes and standards but also will facilitate an orderly transition to wide use of PBSD in the next decade.
Source/sponsorship: The report was prepared by the BSSC, a council of the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Resource type: Report, 81 pages
2003
- Research Needs Identified During Preparation of the 2003 Edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions for Seismic Regulations for New Buildings and Other Structures PDF 112KB
Synopsis: This report presents research needs identified by the Building Seismic Safety Council (BSSC) working groups that developed the 2003 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions. These needs are divided into two categories. One category includes several dozen research issues that are expected to be addressed by the BSSC subcommittees charged with preparing the 2008 edition of the Provisions. The other category comprises 31 specific research needs that were judged to be beyond the scope of the Provisions update process.
Source/sponsorship: The report was prepared by the BSSC, a council of the National Institute of Building Sciences, with support from FEMA.
Resource type: Report, 22 pages
- The Missing
Piece: Improving Seismic Design and Construction Practices (ATC 57)
PDF 3MB
Synopsis: This report describes a proposed program of problem-focused research, technical support, and outreach designed to address a technology transfer gap within NEHRP. This gap, which limits the adaptation of basic research knowledge into practice, was first identified by representatives of the design and construction industry in the late 1990s. They recommended that NEHRP develop "a much expanded, problem-focused knowledge development, synthesis and transfer program" to improve seismic design and construction practices. The Applied Technology Council (ATC) solicited industry input on the design of this program through a workshop and issue papers. The resulting design, detailed in this report, is organized around two subject areas and five program elements. In addition to describing these elements, the report discusses personnel and budgetary requirements and other practical considerations related to program implementation.
Source/sponsorship: The report was prepared by ATC in cooperation with leading professionals from the seismic design and construction industry, who volunteered substantial time and effort to the project. Financial support was provided by NIST.
Resource type: Report, 111 pages
Related resource: Summary Overview of the Research and Development (R&D) Roadmap
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