Each region may adopt a specific standard for the seismic design of buildings. The firm is experienced in the main designed standards for the UK, Europe, North America and Asia Pacific regions including; BS EN 1998-2004, Eurocode 8, Uniform Building Code 1997 and AS1170.4 .
Even an area classified as very low seismicity such as most of the UK, seismic design can be relevant to certain types of structures such as:
- Top heavy structures such as elevated water tanks
- Structures of high mass such as silos
- Existing structures requiring significant modification of load bearing elements (ie ground floor retail modification)
- Heritage structures requiring strengthening to ensure a prolonged design life
An integral part of seismic design is the assessment of the ground type. Soft layers of clay and sand amplify seismic loads whereas hard rock reduces it. Our geotechnical team can review ground condition reports and advise on geotechnical parameters to be used in seismic design.
We've utilised advanced methods of structural analysis such as the software ETABS to model structures, apply seismic loads and to analyse structures and structural components to enable design of a building or structure in accordance with relevant design code requirements.