Seismic & how it affects specific building elements

Where can I find more information about how earthquakes affect specific elements in a building. Which element should be more secure? How should they be secured or allow for movement?

Welcome to the ARE Community @joanna! We are happy to have you here.

I found a few previous threads about this topic:

Here are some book references regarding seismic:

  • Architectural Graphic Standards (in Student Edition/11th edition: Seismic design, 7–10, 221, 222; Seismic forces, 8, 9, 119–120)
  • Building Construction Illustrated (in 4th edition: Earthquake loads, 2.10)
  • Simplified Engineering for Architects and Builders (not a specific NCARB-approved resource)

Here is an ARE Live episode about this topic: “Stiff vs. Soup”: A Structural Systems Mock Exam | Black Spectacles

We also have a PPD Virtual Workshop about Understanding Structural Systems and Seismic Impact on Design. A recording of this most recent session can be found on your dashboard under ‘Virtual Workshops’ and the ‘Watch’ button next to ‘Replay the Latest Workshop.’ The recording will be available until this Sunday at midnight CST. The next live session for this topic will occur on Sunday, March 16th at 2:00-4:00pm CST.

Hope this helps! Happy studying :slight_smile:

Kiara Galicinao, AIA, NCARB
Black Spectacles