Sei 31 03 Seismic Evaluation Of Existing Buildings ....pdf Today
SEI 31-03 says: if Tier 1 flags a problem, you either go to Tier 2 (a more detailed analytical evaluation) or Tier 3 (full structural modeling). She had 30 days left. Back in the office, Elena built a model in SAP2000. She ran a response-spectrum analysis for a 475‑year earthquake — the “design basis” event. Then she applied the m and q factors from SEI 31-03: knowledge factors for concrete with unknown rebar anchorage.
Elena nodded. “Check Tier 2.”
The north tower’s garage had minor cracks. The short columns held. The soft story compressed but did not collapse. Zero deaths. Two injuries from falling bookshelves. SEI 31 03 Seismic Evaluation of Existing Buildings ....pdf
The north tower’s shear demand exceeded its capacity by 40%. The short columns in the garage would fail in brittle shear before the building could even sway. The soft first story would collapse like a house of cards. SEI 31-03 says: if Tier 1 flags a