Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
(OP)
Would you agree that, based purely on a codified approach, earthquake loading can be quantified more accurately/realistically compared to wind loading?
Would love to hear opinions.
Would love to hear opinions.






RE: Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
- we don't even try very hard to get EQ loads right. Instead, we go straight for force reduction modifiers and capacity design to avoid the need to be right.
- wind depends a little on the structure (stiffness/damping) and mostly only for taller things. Earthquake depends massively on the properties of the structure for structures of all height.
- I'm assuming that code EQ means equivalent lateral force method rather than modal, time history, or performance based. ELF apprioximates buildings as single degrees of freedom deforming primarily in shear. Pretty crude.
- for wind, you're keeping things closer to the elastic range. I feel that response us more accurately determined in that range.
I showed you mine now you show me yours damn it. Why do you think that EQ loads are more accurate?
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
I think the actual input (ground motion) may have an argument for being more accurate but even there you're not comparing apples to apples for code-level inputs because the wind return periods tend to be shorter than seismic.
RE: Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
I like to debate structural engineering theory -- a lot. If I challenge you on something, know that I'm doing so because I respect your opinion enough to either change it or adopt it.
RE: Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
Priestley, Nigel, “Myths and Fallacies in Earthquake Engineering - Conflicts Between Design and Reality,” Recent Developments in Lateral Force Transfer in Buildings: Thomas Paulay Symposium. ACI SP-157. 1993.
RE: Opinions Wanted - Lateral Loads Types - Which is more accurate?
In my opinion, engineering for seismic forces will always be a crapshoot. There are really just way too many variables.
Mike McCann, PE, SE (WA)