Seismic Loads and Normal Loads, Apply separate?

[sybie99]

Hi Guys,

I am designing a intake tower structure for a dam and have to design it for a seismic event as well as normal hydrostatic loads. My question is: When designing a wall in this structur, do I add the bending imposed into the wall as a result of the seismic loadcase to the bending as a result of the hydrostatic loading? I have heard or read somewhere that the seismic loadcase should be considered seperate. How have you approached it in the past?

Thanks

Seb

 

[DWHA]

If during a seismic event, the hydrostatic load will be there, then you must apply both loads at the same time.

Depending on what code you are using, you can increase the allowable stress/capacity of the system in a seismic event.

 

[MiketheEngineer]

You never know when a seismic event will take place - usually at the worst time - like when to structure is fully loaded.

DWHA has it right