Probabilistic Design of Earthquake‐Resistant Structures

Abstract

This is the first of a two‐part paper on the development and preliminary testing of a methodology for the optimal probabilistic limit states design of seismic‐resistant steel frames. A mechanism for allowing a designer to include the effects of uncertainties and multiple design objectives in the design process is described. The concept of [GOOD, BAD] and [HIGH, LOW] preference pairs is explained. Scaling procedures for combining the aforementioned effects and the statistics of frame response in a single design entity called designer dissatisfaction are developed. The features of the proposed design method are demonstrated via the design of a simple one‐story shear building.