Assessment of the Adequacy of the Uganda Seismic code in the design of non-structural elements. A case study of a masonry wall.

Abstract

The purpose of this research was to assess the adequacy of the Uganda seismic code, particularly section 13.5, in the design of earthquake resilient structures in particular the design of nonstructural elements. To achieve this, we collected all the relevant data required as input during design including soil type from each seismic zone in Uganda. Analysis has been done on a 10- storey building model and were able to use the required data to calculated the design forces using seismic coefficient method stipulated in the Uganda seismic code. A response spectrum analysis was done on the same model using data from different earthquakes. Response spectra were generated using the Seismosignal software for five earthquakes and subsequent design forces in each floor established. The design was performed for both the elastic and inelastic response of the model. The outcomes of the two methods (the design according to US319:2003 and the Response spectrum analysis) were subjected to a safety test as a basis of comparison of any convergence in results obtained. A masonry wall was treated to storey forces in each scenario and the safety checks observed. It was concluded from the analysis that the Uganda seismic code underestimates the forces in the model. Specific response spectra showed significant variations in computation of loads and accelerations in the model for different earthquake scenarios.