The Structural Engineers Foundation (SEF) invites you to the free Spring Lecture on April 30, 2018. Advanced registration is requested.
Seismic Design -- Past, Present, and Future
This event has reached capacity. Email office@seaoi.org to be added to the Wait List
Recent U.S. earthquakes have demonstrated that seismic design requirements embodied in recent U.S. building codes provide superior earthquake resistance. However, the code requirements have become increasingly complex, frequently misunderstood, and often mis-applied. The development history for these requirements dates back to the late 18th century and has been informed and guided by observations of poor performance of real structures in past earthquakes. Originally, the code requirements evolved as a series of rules intended to avoid repetition of construction that proved vulnerable in past earthquakes. Later, substantial complexity was introduced as engineering science informed the provisions, engineers found “better ways” to provide safe structures, and society demanded the ability to tailor construction practices to individual regions and building types. While the present code is intended to provide specific earthquake performance, the engineer often does not understand this when designing, nor is the structure ever evaluated for its ability to perform as desired. Design practices are evolving to performance-based procedures, in which design performance is specified and the engineer is left to demonstrate that acceptable performance can be achieved, eliminating the need for many of the present prescriptive requirements. Mr. Hamburger will present a brief history of the development of U.S. seismic code provisions and insight into how they may look in the future.
Attendees will earn 1.0 hour of Continuing Education Credit. CE certificates will be emailed to participants after the event.
About the Speaker
Ronald O. Hamburger, SE, a Senior Principal with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger in San Francisco, CA has more than 40 years of experience in structural engineering design, education, construction and failure investigation. Mr. Hamburger has personally investigated the effects of 12 earthquakes, worldwide and has been a leader in the development of seismic design requirements in the nation’s building codes and standards for more than 25 years. He is presently a member of the AISC Committee on Specifications and in his second term as chair of the ASCE 7 Standards Committee. He also has had a lead role in the development of performance-based design procedures such as those contained in ASCE 41 and the PEER Tall Building Seismic Design Guidelines. He holds NCSEA’s James Delahay award, SEI’s Walter P. Moore award, and Newmark Medal, and is a member of the National Academy of Engineering.
Location:
University Center
525 S. State Street
Chicago, IL
Program:
5:00 - 6:00 pm - Reception (cash bar, complimentary hors d'oeuvres)
6:00 - 7:00 pm - Lecture
Cost:
Free! Use the link to the right to RSVP and guarantee your place.