- Seismic Design
We specialize in seismic bracing design in accordance with AS 1170.4. Section 8 of this standard requires that all building services be braced to avoid failure during an earthquake event. Some of the building services include partition walls/ceilings, ducts, pipes, air conditioning units, electric cables etc. They are also commonly called non-structural components because they are not considered part of the structural system, however, they are subjected to the same lateral forces as the structural elements during earthquakes.
We help Contractors estimate the seismic bracing requirements to input for Tender and provide Form 15 for Seismic Design in Queensland. Once the Tender is won, we inspect the site during the construction stage and provide Form 12 to show that the bracing installations have been carried out as per our design.
- EARTHQUAKE-RESISTANT DESIGN
- SEISMIC FORCES AND STRUCTURAL RESPONSE
● Earthquake Loads:
Buildings are designed to resist dynamic forces from ground shaking.
Lateral Forces: Horizontal forces that cause the building to sway sideways.
Vertical Forces: Upward or downward forces from ground acceleration.
Torsional Forces: Twisting forces affecting non-symmetrical buildings.
● Building Shape:
Simple, symmetrical shapes perform better by distributing forces evenly.
● Seismic Drift & Deflection:
Horizontal displacement of floors (drift) and displacement of structural members (deflection) must be strictly limited by codes to prevent damage and ensure safety.
● Building Damping:
A structure’s ability to absorb and dissipate seismic energy, reducing movement.
- STRUCTURAL SYSTEMS AND MATERIALS
● System Choice:
The type of system directly determines resistance to seismic forces.
Moment-Resisting Frames: Allow joints to rotate while resisting bending and shear.
Shear Walls: Vertical walls specifically designed to resist lateral forces.
Braced Frames: Use diagonal braces to resist lateral forces.
Base Isolation: Isolates the building from ground motion using bearings at the foundation.
● Materials:
Materials like reinforced concrete, steel, and composites are chosen for their ability to withstand both compression and tension.
● Redundancy:
Designing multiple load paths so the structure remains stable even if one element is damaged during an event.
- SITE AND FOUNDATION CONSIDERATIONS
● Soil Conditions:
Soft soils and areas near fault lines can amplify earthquake effects; hard soils offer more resistance.
Engineers assess for potential liquefaction (saturated soil behaving like a liquid).
● Foundation Design:
Crucial for absorbing and distributing seismic forces into the ground.
Focus on preventing soil failure or differential settlement.
High-risk areas often use deep foundations (piles) or base isolators.
- CODES AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS
● Governing Standards:
Seismic design is regulated by specific building codes (e.g., AS 1170.4, National Construction Code) that vary by region.
● Minimum Standards:
Codes set minimum safety requirements based on building type, location, and use.
● Code Specifications:
They mandate design requirements for load calculations, material specifications, and acceptable levels of movement (drift/deflection).
● Extra Safety:
Components are often designed with additional strength (redundancy) beyond regular load requirements to provide extra safety during an earthquake.
- Ready to start your project?
Contact SD Consulting Engineers today for expert engineering solutions.
- About SD Consulting Engineers
SD Consulting Engineers is a Queensland-based engineering consultancy specialising in structural engineering, seismic design, and waterproofing design.
We deliver solutions that are safe, practical, economical, and fully compliant with Australian Standards.
With modern tools, proven engineering methods, and a commitment to client satisfaction, we ensure every project is completed accurately, efficiently, and on time.
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- Why Choose Us
High-quality engineering solutions
Strong focus on client satisfaction
Accurate and efficient project delivery
Cost-effective and practical designs
Up-to-date engineering tools and methods
Commitment to safety and standards compliance
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