Defining Terms in IBC 2003 and ASCE 7-05

[vincentpa]

I am trying to comprehend the seismic code in it's entirety but I am having a hard time with some of the terminology. I have also taken several Dynamics courses in college but my professor, like so many others, he could not relate the math to the real world. I feel a little lost sometimes trying to apply the theory to real structures. I am in western PA so we don't have much work involving seismic loads but now and then we get a job where seismic is a concern. I have all of the theoretical books on the basics of the mathmetics of seismic design. I am interested in trying to tie the theory to reality. I am also interested in mastering the code for developing seismic design loads.

Does anyone know of good books for practical seismic design?

Does anyone know of a good book/reference that gives examples of seismic design?

Does anyone know of a good book that defines some terminology? For example what is the difference between an Ordinary, Intermediate, or Special Moment frame? What is the difference between an Ordinary, Intermediate, or Special Concrete or Masonry shear wall? The definitions given in the various codes are an Ordinary Masonry shear wall is and ordinary Masonry shear wall... What gives!!!

 

[Qshake]

My suggestion is for the Seismic Design Handbook by Farzad Niem now in it's second edition.

Don't bother with the first edition even if it's on discount because it was printed before the 1994 Northridge earthquake and all the steel moment frame details are woefully out of date.

As for tying dynamics to reality, most texts on the subject have pretty good examples and most always expound a little on how that example ties to a code provision. However, if I had to pick just one book I would say Structural Dynamics by Anil Chopra is best because it focuses on the earthquake theme and civil structures so not so much the mechanical or physics problems.



Regards,
Qshake

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