Design codes provide no guidance on the selection of materials and systems used in buildings; they provide only criteria for their design once selected. For example, whether shear wall buildings or moment frame buildings are better suited for a particular soil condition is not specified in codes; it is up to the designer to make the selection and then design according to code requirements. The choice could affect building performance and cost, although both designs would be safe.
This course is intended for civil and structural engineers interested in the earthquake design of buildings and structures. The course discusses selection of structural systems, selection of the architectural/structural configurations and performance of nonstructural components during earthquakes.