Professional Documents
Culture Documents
JURUTEA
JANUARY 2016
KDN PP 1050/12/2012 (030192)
C ONT E NT S
ISSN 0126-9909
SPECIAL ISSUE
Front Cover : Mount Kinabalu, Sabah Public Safety In
Number 01, January 2016 IEM Registered on 1 May 1959 EARTHQUAKE
Event
MAJLIS BAGI SESI 2015/2016 (IEM COUNCIL SESSION 2015/2016)
YANG DIPERTUA / PRESIDENT
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Lim Chow Hock
TIMBALAN YANG DIPERTUA / DEPUTY PRESIDENT
Ir. Tan Yean Chin
NAIB YANG DIPERTUA / VICE PRESIDENTS COVER NOTE
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Dr Andy Seo Kian Haw, Ir. Lee Weng Onn, Ir. Gopal Narian Kuty, Ir. Prof. Dr
Ruslan bin Hassan, Ir. Lai Sze Ching, Ir. Lee Boon Chong, Ir. David Lai Kong Phooi
SETIAUSAHA KEHORMAT / HONORARY SECRETARY
Finalising Malaysian National Annex (NA) on
Eurocode 8 (EC8): Design of Structures for
5
Ir. Yam Teong Sian Earthquake Resistance
BENDAHARI KEHORMAT / HONORARY TREASURER
Ir. Prof. Dr Jefrey Chiang Choong Luin
BEKAS YANG DIPERTUA TERAKHIR / IMMEDIATE PAST PRESIDENT
Ir. Choo Kok Beng
COVER STORY
Development of Malaysia’s National Annex to
6 - 10
BEKAS YANG DIPERTUA / PAST PRESIDENTS
Y.Bhg. Academician Tan Sri Dato’ Ir. (Dr) Hj. Ahmad Zaidee bin Laidin, Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Dr Eurocode on Earthquake Resistance ..................6
Gue See Sew, Y.Bhg. Academician Dato’ Ir. Prof. Dr Chuah Hean Teik, Ir. Vincent Chen Kim
Kieong
WAKIL AWAM / CIVIL REPRESENTATIVE
Ir. Prof. Dr Mohd. Zamin bin Jumaat
WAKIL MEKANIKAL / MECHANICAL REPRESENTATIVE
FEATURE ARTICLES
Evolution of IEM Study Group ..............................12
12 - 44
Ir. Dr Kannan M. Munisamy
WAKIL ELEKTRIK / ELECTRICAL REPRESENTATIVE
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Ali Askar bin Sher Mohamad Elastic Response Spectrum Models for
WAKIL STRUKTUR / STRUCTURAL REPRESENTATIVE Rock Sites ............................................................16
Ir. Hooi Wing Chuen
WAKIL KIMIA / CHEMICAL REPRESENTATIVE Site Classiication and Elastic Response
Ir. Prof. Dr Thomas Choong Chean Yaw Spectrum Model for Soil Sites ..............................20
WAKIL LAIN-LAIN DISPLIN / REPRESENTATIVE TO OTHER DISCIPLINES
Ir. S. Kumar a/l Subramaniam Performance Criteria and Design Parameters ......30
WAKIL MULTIMEDIA DAN ICT / ICT AND MULTIMEDIA REPRESENTATIVE
Engr. Abdul Fatah bin Mohd. Yaim, M.I.E.M.
Static and Dynamic Analysis Methods ..................36
AHLI MAJLIS / COUNCIL MEMBERS
Ir. Dr Tan Chee Fai, Ir. Tiong Ngo Pu, Ir. Yau Chau Fong, Ir. Teh Piaw Ngi, Ir. Kim Kek
Seong, Ir. Chong Chin Meow, Ir. Chin Kuan Hwa, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Vigna Kumaran Summary Update of Cost Implication on
Ramachandaramurthy, Ir. Lee Cheng Pay, Ir. Ong Ching Loon, Ir. Gary Lim Eng Hwa, Proposed Malaysian NA for EC8 on
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Noor Azmi bin Jaafar, Ir. Aminuddin bin Mohd Baki, Ir. Mohd Radzi bin
Salleh, Ir. Ong Sang Woh, Ir. Mohd Khir bin Muhammad, Ir. Assoc. Prof. Dr Norlida Bini
Ofice Buildings and Link Houses ...........................42
Buniyamin, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Hanapi bin Mohamad Noor, Ir. Dr Ahmad Anuar bin Othman,
Ir. Ishak bin Abdul Rahman, Ir. PE Chong, Ir. Ng Yong Kong, Ir. Tejinder Singh, Ir. Sreedaran
GLOBE TREKKING
a/l Raman, Ir. Roger Wong Chin Weng
AHLI MAJLIS JEMPUTAN / INVITED COUNCIL MEMBERS
Y. Bhg. Datuk Ir. Rosaline Ganendra, Y. Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Abdul Rashid bin Maidin,
Magical White Cliffs of Mons Klint 45
Y.Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Mohd Azmi bin Ismail
PINK PAGE
PENGERUSI CAWANGAN / BRANCH CHAIRMAN
1. Pulau Pinang: Ir. Dr Mui Kai Yin
2. Selatan: Ir. Assoc. Prof. Hayai bini Abdullah
Professional Interview 47
3. Perak: Ir. Lau Win Sang
BLUE PAGE
4. Kedah-Perlis: Ir. Hj. Abdullah bin Othman
5. Negeri Sembilan: Ir. Shahrin Amri bin Jahari
6. Kelantan: Ir. Mohamad Zaki bin Mat
7. Terengganu: Ir. Abdullah Zawawi bin Haji Mohd. Noor
Membership List 48
8. Melaka: Ir. Nur Fazil Noor Mohamed
9. Sarawak: Ir. Haidel Heli
10. Sabah: Ir. Yahiya bin Awang Kahar
11. Miri: Ir. Steven Chin Hui Seng
12. Pahang: Y. Bhg. Dato’ Ir. Hj. Abdul Jalil bin Hj. Mohamed
T
his is the last segment on the National Annex To Eurocode 8, which will be available
for public comment soon. Apart from a word of thanks to the Technical Committee
and Working Group members involved in the finalisation of the standards document, I
would also like to thank the International Panel of Experts and Advisors for voluntary services
rendered since 2008.
We had a fruitful and eye-opening dialogue session with Sabah engineers, Government
officials and other stakeholders in early December 2015, to hear their opinions on how the
By Ir. Prof. Dr Jeffrey Chiang National Annex should reflect the experience of Sabah residents in view of local earthquakes
Chairman of IEM-SWO Technical
Committee on Earthquake
there. The Technical Committee and the Working Group involved were committed to ensuring
that the standards would uphold the intention to keep and maintain public safety. At the same
Dr Jeffrey Chiang, currently IEM
time, where there was a possibility to adjust to accommodate, the Study Group in the Technical
Honorary Treasurer, has previously Committee worked tirelessly to review additional data supplied by the Sabah stakeholders.
served as IEM Honorary Secretary,
Chairman of IEM Civil & Structural
To that end, the finalised version of the Malaysian National Annex will be truly
Engineering Technical Division, representative of the expectations of all stakeholders in Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and
Chairman of IEM-SWO Technical
Committee on Wind Loads, as
Sarawak – in terms of the recommendations there in for the peak ground acceleration values
well as Secretary of IEM-SWO and other related design parameters, to be adopted for the design of building structures for
Technical Committee on Eurocode
2 Concrete Structures Design. Dr
the relevant return periods for a range of building structures. NA to EC8 is unique because
Chiang is the Dean of the Faculty of it provides recommended response spectra to cover for far distance earthquakes as well as
Engineering & the Built Environment
in SEGI University, Kota Damansara
local earthquake events.
Campus, Petaling Jaya. Last but not least, sincere thanks also go to the secretariat staff of IEM for their hard
work in planning and administering the running of the Technical Committee and its activities,
especially in organising meetings, courses, seminars, workshops and symposia over the years,
since the inception of the Technical Committee.
Development of
Malaysia’s National Annex
to Eurocode on Earthquake Resistance
he fruit of the labour to realise the completion of the inal version of the
The progress could not have been achieved without engineering and monitoring of seismic activities could
the commitment and active participation of seismic help to save lives.
experts from Australia, Canada, Hong Kong, Singapore One of the international experts who has devoted his
and other countries. These experts volunteered their time and efforts gratis to our country is Prof. Nelson Lam,
time and services without expecting any remuneration. Associate Professor and Reader, Department of Infrastructure
They came forward in the spirit of sharing their Engineering, The University of Melbourne, Australia.
knowledge, expertise and ideas that could strengthen JURUTERA speaks to Prof. Lam to learn more about his
international collaboration. More importantly, they involvement in the development of earthquake code for
shared a common concern to help mitigate the impact Malaysia and the National Annex to Eurocode 8 (EC 8) for
of earthquakes and how the practice of earthquake the Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance.
How did you get involved in the drafting What are the key objectives and guiding
of Malaysia’s National Annex to EC8, principles in this code development activity?
considering you come from Australia? Why 2,475 and 475 years of return period?
Prof. Lam: Currently, I am a reader at The University Prof. Lam: The main objective of having this code
of Melbourne. At the university, we have the Centre for development is to protect lives. It is about life and the
Disaster Management and Public Safety (CDMPS), which safety of the public – the occupants of buildings. I must
focuses on conducting multi-disciplinary research and also emphasise that the code is to protect all buildings,
training on disaster management and public safety both not just key government facilities. Let me clarify that the
nationally and internationally. Our work includes providing return period of 475 years (of seismic wave transmission at
research and development input into managing natural bedrock level indicating occurrence of earthquakes) has
disasters to countries all over the world. I am one of the key been the tradition held for a long time but over the last 10
members of this centre and I have a strong earthquake years, it has been recognised by the research community
engineering background. One of my core responsibilities around the world that this return period is not really
at the university is to get involved in earthquake disaster appropriate or is not long enough for certain countries
mitigation and code development not only for Australia which are not experiencing earthquakes frequently
but also for other countries. enough, for example Malaysia.
I have been researching into earthquake engineering The same thing applies to other countries like the
in the last 26 years. I am also experienced in code eastern part of North America – they have for long done
development in Australia itself and have been appointed away with the return period of 475 years and are now using
as member of the code drafting committee of Australia 2,475 years as a benchmark. I must say that although the
(known as Standards Australia), which is responsible Eurocode originally specified 475 years, a lot of countries
for continuous development of earthquake loading like the United Kingdom have decided to go for a higher
standards for the country. return period. So following a lot of research (not just done
From the perspective of research, I also have a long- by me but also) by the world community of research,
term understanding of earthquake conditions in this Malaysia should be bench marking on 2,475 years.
region, including Sumatra, Indonesia and around Peninsula I must emphasise that the return period of 2,475 years
Malaysia. Because of my background and expertise, I am does not mean that we will experience an earthquake
well placed to be part of the IEM study group, formed in every 2,000 years – it seems to be a long time and
about seven years ago. Ir. Adjunct Prof. M.C. Hee (the this is actually quite misleading to a layperson. It is a
principal of M.C. Hee & Associates, Malaysia) approached figure for reference based on the prediction of ground
me to get involved in providing advice and support on motion intensity of any given position in the country.
earthquake design code development for Malaysia. Over In fact the length of time should not be interpreted as
the years, we have been undertaking a lot of study and we are having an earthquake over that long period of
research work with a view of coming up with the National time. It is not. It is a figure that is recommended for use as
Annex. The drafting of this Annex is a result of years of hard reference for design of buildings. Of course, the longer
work and the involvement of many industry experts, and the return period is, the higher the intensity. Referring to
IEM TC on Earthquake Engineering , which is actually my the benchmark for ground motion intensity is critical to
host in this country. In the initial five years, we gradually emergency response to earthquakes. The return period
formed the study group co-led by M.C. Hee himself before requirements are actually more stringent than that for
the formation of IEM TC (Technical Commitee). ordinary buildings. But then no matter what type of
We also gradually trained talented Malaysian building it is, you always use 2,475 years as reference.
engineers to assist in the earthquake code development Then there is also a factor called the Importance Factor
exercise. This was how both M.C. Hee and I have been according to the classes of buildings. Different building
co-leading this group and moving it forward. types have different design ground motion intensity
I am not directly engaged by the Malaysian – there is no one design intensity for all building types.
government. Basically the development of the National For example, it is important that hospital buildings or
Annex is not in the form of a consultant contract to do buildings with emergency response functionality are
the work. It is actually a long-term collaborative work that designed to a return period of 2,475 years in terms of
forms part of my research agenda being an academic at ensuring a satisfactory level of potential performance of
The University of Melbourne. I provide service and advice buildings in an earthquake.
not only to Malaysia but also South Korea, and I am
also involved in seismic hazard study in Hong Kong and Considering that Malaysia is classiied as
Sri Lanka. To a lesser extent, I also have a strong interest low to moderate seismicity region with lack
in the seismic conditions in Singapore. Overall, I have of local earthquake data, where was the
knowledge of seismic conditions in this region. knowledge base developed originally?
Prof. Lam: The knowledge base is widely shared according to the latest development around the
because knowledge nowadays is not owned by one world, including in the United States, Canada and
country. Lots of research papers are published in peer United Kingdom. I feel that they are the major countries
reviewed international literature. Of course having worked which, although are far away from Malaysia, represent
in this field in the last 26 years, I am myself well informed on the forefront of knowledge in the field of earthquake
this topic. I also contributed to the international literature engineering. Even in Australia there has been a code
as well as being recognised for helping to develop the review. Although they call it a 500-year return period,
seismic code for Australia. Over the last 15 years, I have their design of gound motions is actually higher than this
also invested a lot of time studying earthquakes affecting figure so as to protect lives. The 500-year terminology is
Malaysia from a long distance, for example, offshore of retained only as a matter of convention.
Sumatra including the Aceh earthquake of 2004. Earthquake engineering is evolving and it is a complex
I have also published papers and conducted research form of engineering so that is why it is not always straight
on long distance earthquakes of mega magnitude forward. Hence it is expected that various professionals
exceeding ML8 on the Richter scale. I had the experience raise queries and we have responded to these in great
of studying and predicting ground motion generated by details. We are receptive to opinions expressed by all. And
long distance earthquakes. This exercise of mine did not we have good documentations that allow us to attend to
happen recently. My first publication on earthquakes in all feedbacks seriously and clarify issues.
this region was way back in the early 2000, that is more The return period is also a major issue raised by the
than 10 years ago. Over the years, I have maintained my professionals in Malaysia. Some Malaysian engineers feel
interest in this region. While a lot of research work has been that we do not need to go so high from 475 to 2,475 years.
carried out on earthquakes generated from Indonesia, we I have provided the explanations. If you refer to world
must however not overlook the risk of having earthquakes literature, you will also find a lot of explanations on this
occurring locally. Local earthquakes affecting Malaysia issue.
are rarely reported in the local literature. But I have also Another issue raised in Malaysia is about costs. In
worked on this local data in recent times when working fact we have also done a lot of studies about cost
on the National Annex. We have attended to both long implications. We have to consider that there are certain
distance earthquakes and risks of earthquakes from types of buildings and there are also different seismic
within Malaysia itself. It’s a feature worth covering in the hazards depending on soil conditions where buildings are
Malaysia National Annex because this is something that constructed. For certain soil conditions, the cost increase
has not been well discussed in the academic literature. is minimal. The cost will be higher for conditions which are
more onerous, such as softer soils. So that is why when it
Is the inal version of the Malaysian National comes to cost analysis, there is no one figure that can fit
all conditions. You cannot generalise how much it is. The
Annex to EC 8 ready for adoption as the
costs vary. When there is some increase in cost on certain
code of practice for earthquake design
types of construction and on certain soil conditions, it
in local structural engineering practices? shows that we need to pay more attention to the safety
Please elaborate on some intricacies and of certain buildings in those conditions. By and large,
issues involved in determining the nationally the general total increase in the cost of construction is
accepted parameters and specify, if actually insignificant. The cost increase is approximately
possible, the date for the oficial release of 5 to 8% on stiff soil which is the typical and fairly common
the EC8 National Annex. soil type in built-up areas. Soft soil is more hazardous and
this has been observed worldwide from past earthquake
Prof. Lam: Currently a lot of dialogues are going events where buildings suffered a lot of damage and
on because the IEM TC also has the mechanism to high casualty on soft soil conditions. The figures quoted
interface with design engineers from around different are structural costs only, and not the total costs of the
parts of Malaysia. I understand that there is also internal building. Therefore the difference in costs boils down to
consultation with engineers and experts in this country much less than 5%.
about the National Annex draft. Professional people in Overall, cost analysis indicates that there are certain
different parts of Malaysia are giving us feedbacks and types of buildings on certain types of soil conditions that
this is part of the whole process of finalising the draft. can be more hazardous than others; so this indicates that
As discussed earlier, the 475 years return period it cannot be business as usual. We have to put extra effort
provision is not sufficient. So that is why for the National in attending to it.
Annex we have set design requirements to exceed this Another issue for Malaysia is that this country’s code
period. I must emphasize that it’s not just the case for model is different from that of Singapore. The Singapore
Malaysia. Many countries have already done that – code only considers long distance earthquakes. For the
increasing the return period. If we are developing a Malaysian National Annex, we consider both short and
code for this country, we must draft the code properly long distance earthquakes. It has been expressed by
experts in this area that local earthquakes occurring in In previous years, we have also held symposiums. We
Malaysia must not be ignored although the data has not invited international experts from Canada, Europe, Korea,
been well expressed in the literature. These mainly record Singapore, Hong Kong and other countries to speak at
mega earthquakes happening elsewhere but if we want these symposia. They are experts at the forefront of codes
to protect lives, we must look at both local and long development. They came from a long way to Malaysia to
distance earthquakes. This is very important. review the most suitable approach to seismic design for
Now we have already received a lot of feedbacks the country. This has been happening regularly in the last
and properly responded to all of them. And according three to four years to make sure that our approach has
to our timetable, this internal process will conclude by the necessary check and balance. It is not only reviewed
November or December 2015, after which the draft will by international professionals but is also exposed to
go to the public ballot, as per the standard procedure review by experts from major countries. The reason
for codification. This stage of public balloting will take why we single out countries like Canada, Korea and
place up to March 2016. The next stage is to submit the Germany is because the conditions in these countries are
National Annex to the Department of Standards Malaysia similar to Malaysia in terms of seismicity. The approach
(Standards Malaysia), which is the national regulatory to earthquake engineering for places like Japan and
body for standards and accreditation. This is the timetable California are different from countries like Malaysia. The
of our study group. Our responsibility is to submit the final seismic condition in Malaysia is more aligned to countries
draft of the National Annex to Standards Malaysia. We like Australia and Korea which have earthquakes occurring
hope that Standards Malaysia will handle it swiftly and infrequently. That is why we have close relationships with
launch the National Annex by the early part of next year. these countries. There is a lot of misconception that
We have invested so much effort and time and so we earthquake experts from high seismicity countries that
would like to see it being used. are suffering from frequent earthquake events are the
Our relationships with the government bodies such ones that Malaysia should invite, but it must be noted that
as the Public Works Department (PWD) involved in the conditions in those countries are not the same as those
development of the National Annex has been good. They in Malaysia so this is not something that we can take up.
are fairly receptive to our point of view. We also have all Our study group also plans to publish a handbook
the other industry players in the IEM TC, including PAM because the National Annex itself is a legal document
(Pertubuhan Arkitek Malaysia), Master Builders and CIDB which is brief and only prescribes what is required. We still
(Construction Industry Development Board). It is a broad- need to have the detailed descriptions of the background
based TC, and our code development is industry-driven. – why the National Annex made some decisions, what are
the intentions, what is the right way of applying those rules
Please elaborate on the efforts that have and what are the work examples. The handbook will have
been taken so far to prepare the industry all these so that we can assist engineers in understanding
and applying the code effectively. This handbook will be
to apply the National Annex to EC8 in terms
specific for use in Malaysia unlike textbook on the book
of training and development of human
shelves which do not really focus on Malaysian conditions.
resources, development of new construction We also plan to educate young engineers who have just
techniques to comply with the latest code of graduated from Malaysian universities. The National Annex
practice and other pertinent areas to ensure and Eurocode are fairly new so we cannot automatically
full compliance to the code. expect universities to provide adequate education and
training on the use of the National Annex on their own.
Prof. Lam: The National Annex is a regulatory document This is part of our long-term planning for training and
but more importantly is the knowledge base of the development in the industry.
engineers who are going to put it into use. Ultimately
we rely on the skills and knowledge of engineers on the What are your recommendations for
ground to use the code properly. This is why education Malaysia to strengthen networking and
and training is very important. co-operation amongst all stakeholders,
We have been conducting short courses and workshops including the government sector and the
to educate engineers as well as government officers. On
industry players encompassing engineers,
average, we run short courses once a year to introduce
architects and other industry professionals,
basic knowledge on earthquake engineering because
this country has no experience in dealing with earthquake
in adopting and enforcing the use of EC as
hazards. We have also run courses specifically to introduce MS EN standards?
and release the contents of the National Annex. We would
like the engineers to be prepared for it so that is why we Prof. Lam: As mentioned earlier, the IEM TC already
provide the details during the short courses. has representations from PWD, CIDB, PAM and other
government and professional bodies, so there is already
a well set up network to accommodate professionals training. We don’t consider it to be anything that’s
from the different corners of the country. All of them substantially new in terms of approach and techniques.
contribute to the consultation process. There are also the It’s all about getting the engineers to analyse buildings
participation by universities, for example, Universiti Malaya for seismic loads in order that they are able to identify
and Universiti Teknologi Malaysia. The TC is balanced with vulnerable structures in the future, and put more strength
professionals and academics. on certain parts of the building. That’s really what we think
the skill and know-how required. So it’s not required for
In light of the recent earthquake that hit engineers to learn any new sets of skills that they don’t
Ranau in Sabah, please give us an update already possess.
of your assessment of earthquake risks in I always support making investment as a priority
to maintain a good level of seismic monitoring in the
Sabah particularly, and the rest of Malaysia.
country. When earthquakes occur, we should get a good
recording of ground motion. The study on future seismic
Prof. Lam: Earthquakes are expected in Sabah,
risks is also not enough if we only base our prediction on
which is considered as having a high level of seismicity
what has occurred in the recent past. That on its own is
than Sarawak and Peninsula Malaysia. Yes, the recent
not enough. That is why our study has involved surveying
earthquake was expected. AM5.9 earthquake on the
earthquake recurrence behaviour from around the world
Richter scale could happen in places like Sabah, which is
in seismic environments similar to that of Malaysia.
of higher seismic risk. But we cannot make the judgement
By area, Malaysia is a small country. This is something I
that earthquakes of that nature would only occur in
like to put across. Because of the small size, over a period
Sabah. It can also happen in other parts of Malaysia.
of time, the amount of data that can possibly be collected
Ranau, where the recent Sabah earthquake
is naturally very limited. This can be a major issue. Basing
occurred,was only about 50km away from the capital city
on Malaysian data alone is not a good approach to take.
Kota Kinabalu. We have explained to professionals around
It is better to study data from around the world so that we
Sabah that although the epicentre was 50km away from
will get sufficient data to help in coming out with effective
the capital city of Kota Kinabalu, we cannot rule out the
mitigating measures.
possibility that future earthquakes can be closer to built-
In Malaysia, Sabah has conducted such a study.
up areas. There have also been concerns about how
The Ranau earthquake has spurred everything. It’s more
we specify ground motion intensity requirements for the
urgent now to come out with the National Annex. We
different parts of Sabah because future earthquakes here
must get the Annex to be out as soon as possible.
can even be worse than that that happened in Ranau.
In Peninsula Malaysia, we must remember the
earthquake of 4.2 magnitude that occurred in Bukit Tinggi,
What are your recommendations for
Pahang several years ago. It does not mean that future
Malaysia to monitor seismic activities and earthquakes will occur in the same spot. Given that we
mitigate the impact of earthquakes? What have limited data, this may just be the assumption here.
should the priorities be for Malaysia? But in future, Kuala Lumpur may also be susceptible. It is
not that far from Bukit Tinggi. Earthquakes can happen in
Prof. Lam: I must say that the standard of structural any part of the country. For argument sake, there could
and civil engineering in Malaysia is advanced. We also be equal chance of similar local occurrence in the
are confident that the engineers here have the basic south of the Peninsula, close to Singapore. So the launch
knowledge to properly apply our code for seismic design of the Malaysian earthquake code will have certain
purposes provided that we also give them adequate implications on Singapore.
I
n 1959, Institution of Engineers Malaysia (IEM) was established with the primary function to promote
and advance the science and profession of engineering as well as to facilitate the exchange of
information and ideas related to engineering. IEM is divided into different engineering divisions.
One of these is Civil And Structural Engineering Technical Engineering. Since it was established as an
engineering society, the Civil And Structural Engineering Technical Division had taken the initiative
to conduct courses and workshops for consulting engineers and academicians to develop their
practical and academic skills.
IEM EARTHQUAKE TECHNICAL COMMITTEE AND WG1 WG1 industry side was led by M.C.Hee while the academia
The earthquake disaster in Sumatra in 2004, raised concerns side was led by Associate Prof. Nelson Lam from University
in Malaysia. To address these concerns, the Civil and of Melbourne, Australia, and Dr H.H. Tsang, Swinburne
Structural Engineering Technical Division took the initiative to University of Technology, Australia. With the technical
form a Technical Committee (TC) on earthquakes. Publishing committee’s focus on development of young engineers,
a position paper in 2007 (IEM, 2007), it looked into mitigation the WG1 of the IEM Earthquake TC initiated a programme
policies and design guidelines on earthquake safety. Since where young engineers would be developed and groomed
the primary concern was long distant earthquakes in to advance in the field of earthquake engineering, under
Indonesia, the local scenario was neglected until a small the guidance of professional engineers and academicians
earthquake of M4.2 was recorded in Bukit Tinggi. Such of the study group.
recent activities in what was already considered an inactive To kick off the programme, Daniel T.W. Looi was picked
intraplate fault, further spiked concerns among the IEM as the prime candidate for the working group. Under the
technical committee. mutual trust between IEM Earthquake TC and Nelson Lam,
With the adoption of Eurocode by Malaysia and most Daniel was sent to The University of Melbourne for technical
countries worldwide, the Malaysian government appointed knowledge transfer training which encapsulated the essential
IEM to develop the Malaysian National Annex (NA) to EC8 elements of seismology and earthquake engineering from
(CEN, 2004). Different working groups were established, the structural engineer's perspective. These include the use
with the technical committee assigned to various tasks. Ir. of:
Adjunct Prof. M.C.Hee headed Working Group 1 (WG1) a) Component Seismological Modelling through GENQKE to
which was assigned to the development of the response generate artificial time history on rock site with the combination
spectrum model and looked into both regional earthquakes of earthquake magnitude (M) and distance (R),
in neighbouring Indonesia and here. b) Finite difference method through ETAMAC to transform
Since Malaysia is a country with low to moderate time history into response spectrum and,
seismicity, we lack local data which is required to support c) Dynamic site response analysis using SHAKE.
the development of a representative seismic hazard model The above tasks were completed within a month, with
by the conventional approach of modelling. The task of enormous support from two PhD students (Ali Altheeb and
quantifying local seismic hazard is a unique challenge that Abdulrahman Albidah) from Nelson Lam's research group.
requires fundamental research input to resolve. There are The parameters were determined based on research work
many other challenges that are unique to regions of low and published in the book, Seismic Hazard Assessment in Regions
moderate seismicity. So the conventional approach of seismic of Low-to-Moderate Seismicity (Tsang and Lam, 2010).
hazard modelling will not produce a satisfactory solution in Continuous development on the topic of Probabilistic
Malaysia. In view of this, IEM chose to work in consultation Seismic Hazard Assessment (PSHA) to draft Malaysian NA
with a study group comprising local experienced engineers to EC8 was supported by IEM TC, through the invitation
and international experts to integrate input over a number of of HH Tsang to Malaysia. A two-day technical knowledge
years instead of hiring a commercial consultant to undertake transfer was carried out to complement the training in
the task on a contractual basis. Facilitated by this international Melbourne. All work done was summarised in written reports
(industry-academia) partnership, IEM was able to produce and presentations made to the WG1 and the Technical
the draft of the NA which was accompanied by a seismic Committee.
design handbook which is suitable for use in the country. After Daniel Looi was fully groomed into the study
group, Ahmed Zuhal Zaeem was brought in as candidate
YOUNG ENGINEERS No. 2. Working directly under M.C.Hee, he was involved
In developing the draft of Malaysian NA to EC8, under the in the cost implication work of the WG1, which aimed
above-mentioned industry - academia partnership, the at giving a clear cut presentation to the consulting
T
his paper introduces the elastic response spectrum models for rock sites for different parts of
Malaysia for incorporation into the draft of National Annex to Eurocode 8. Both distant and local
seismic hazards have been taken into account in the development of the elastic response
spectra by the use of a hybrid modelling approach. The design peak ground acceleration (PGA)
on rock sites is 0.1g for Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak and 0.18g for Sabah bench marked on a
return period (RP) of 2,475 years; this corresponds to reference PGA values (for notional 475 years RP
being two-thirds of the design values for 2,475 years) of 0.07g and 0.12g respectively.
ANCHOR-REINFORCED EARTH Sabah. The response spectrum model proposed for the peninsula makes use of
Our Strength is Your Confidence the hybrid modelling approach which takes into account both regional and
local seismic hazards.
APPLICATION
Bridge Abutment ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
Land Reclaimation We acknowledge the continuous support from IEM in the facilitation of the
Housing Development & many workshops and meetings over the years, culminating in the drafting of the
Temporary Embankment
National Annex. We also acknowledge the intellectual input by E.P. Lim, Ahmed
Other Civil
Engineering Application
Zuhal Zaeem and other active participants from EC8 TC.
Notations
SDe(T) elastic displacement response spectrum spectrum
Se(T) elastic horizontal ground acceleration response
T vibration period of a linear single degree of freedom system
q behaviour factor.
REFERENCES
[1] Balendra T., Lam N.T.K., Wilson J.L., Kong K.H. (2002). Analysis of long-distance tremors and
base shear demand for buildings for Singapore. Engineering Structures 24, 99-108.
[2] Balendra T., Li Z. (2008). Seismic Hazard of Singapore and Malaysia. EJSE Special Issue:
Earthquake Engineering in the low and moderate seismic regions of SEA and Australia.
[3] CEN (2004) EN 1998 1. 2004. Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance
– Part 1: General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings. European Committee for
Standardisation, Brussells.
[4] Hee, M.C. (2015). Preview of National Annex to EC8: Seismic Loadings for Peninsular Malaysia,
Sabah and Sarawak”, JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia).
September Issue. 32-35.
[5] Hee, M.C., Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Looi, D.T.W. (2015). Draft National Annex to Eurocode 8 for
Malaysia and cost implication for residential buildings with thin size elements. Proceedings of the
10th Pacific Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 6 - 8 November 2015, Sydney, Australia.
[6] JMM and MOSTI (2009). Final report on seismic and tsunami hazards and risks study in
Malaysia. Academy of Sciences Malaysia.
CT CRIB TM
[7] Lam, N.T.K. (2015). Earthquake Environment Surrounding Different parts of Malaysia. Lecture
notes on How to utilise our proposed EC8 Malaysia NA for our practising consulting engineers,
The Most Reliable & Cost Effective
IEM professional short course, 29 – 30 September 2015, Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
Retaining Wall System
[8] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Wilson, J.L., Looi, D.T.W., Hee, M.C. (2016). Performance criteria and
design parameters. JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia).
APPLICATION January Issue.
Slope Protection [9] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Lumantarna, E., Wilson, J.L. (2015). Local intraplate earthquakes
Embankment Stabilization considerations for Singapore. Institution of Engineering Singapore Part A: Civil & Structural
Housing & Road Project Engineering. Published on line 21 November 2014. (In press)
Other Civil [10] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Lumantarna, E., Wilson, J.L. (2014). Background Seismicity of Local
Engineering Application Intraplate Earthquakes. Proceedings of presentation at 2 day workshop on recommended
earthquake loading model in the propose N.A. to EC8 for Sabah, Sarawak & updated model for
Peninsular Malaysia, 16 – 17 July 2014, Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
[11] Lam, N.T.K., Balendra, T., Wilson, J.L., Srikanth, V. (2009), Seismic Load Estimates of Distant
Subduction Earthquakes Affecting Singapore, Engineering Structures, 31(5): 1230-1240.
[12] Looi, D.T.W., Hee, M.C., Tsang, H.H., Lam, N.T.K. (2014). Updated Design Spectrum for
Peninsular Malaysia. Proceedings of presentation at 2 day workshop on recommended
earthquake loading model in the propose N.A. to EC8 for Sabah, Sarawak & updated model for
Peninsular Malaysia, 16 – 17 July 2014, Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
[13] Looi, D.T.W., Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Hee, M.C. (2015). Seismic analysis in the low to moderate
seismicity region of Malaysia based on the draft handbook. Proceedings of the 10th Pacific
Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 6 - 8 November 2015, Sydney, Australia.
[14] Megawati K., Pan T.C. (2010). Ground-motion attenuation relationship for the Sumatran
megathrust earthquakes. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics 39, 827-845.
[15] Megawati K., Pan T.C., Koketsu K. (2005). Response spectral attenuation relationships for
Sumatran-subduction earthquakes and the seismic hazard implication to Singapore and Kuala
Lumpur. Soil Dynamics and Earthquakes Engineering 25, 11-25.
[16] Pan T.C., Megawati K. (2002). Estimation of PGA of the Malay Peninsula due to Distant Sumatra
Earthquakes. Bulletin of the Seismological Society of America 92:3, 1082-1094.
[17] Pan T.C., Megawati K., Lim C.L. (2007). Seismic shaking in Singapore due to past Sumatran
earthquakes. Journal of Earthquake and Tsunami 1:1, 49-70.
[18] Pappin J.W., Yim P.H.I., Koo C.H.R (October 2011). An approach for seismic design in Malaysia
following the principles of Eurocode 8. IEM Jurutera Magazine, 22-28.
For enquiry please contact :
[19] Petersen M.D., Dewey J., Hartzell S., Mueller C., Harmsen S., Frankel A.D., Rukstales K. (2004).
CRIB TECHNOLOGIES SDN BHD (564096-A), Probabilistic seismic hazard analysis for Sumatra, Indonesia and across the Southern Malaysian
ARE WALL (M) SDN BHD (542608-W) Peninsula. Tectonophysics 390, 141-158.
46-A, SS 22/25, Damansara Jaya, [20] Tsang, H.H., Lam, N.T.K., Looi, D.T.W., Wilson, J.L., Hee, M.C. (2016). Site Classification and
47400 Petaling Jaya, Malaysia Response Spectrum Model for Soil Sites. JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of
Tel: +603-7731 7391 Fax: +603-7725 7868 Engineers, Malaysia). January Issue.
Email: groadesb@yahoo.com
Website: http://www.ctsbare.com
T
his paper introduces the elastic response spectrum models for different ground conditions, with
a particular emphasis on the phenomenon of periodic ground shaking in lexible soil sites. The
natural period of the site, which is closely correlated with the depth of the soil sediments, has
been incorporated as a parameter in the construction of the soil response spectrum.
This model, to be introduced in the draft National Annex (NA) on rock and soil sites at Oakland Outer Harbour in the
to Eurocode 8 (EC8) for Malaysia, resembles real behaviour 1989 earthquake at Loma Prieta, California, United States
much better than the response spectrum models stipulated (Dickenson et al., 1991). In the draft NA to EC8 for Malaysia,
by EC8 itself. The need to address the effects of site periodicity the site natural period (TS) is incorporated as a parameter in
is particularly justified in regions of low-to-moderate seismicity the construction of the response spectrum for structures.
such as Malaysia, where structures are typically of limited
ductility and so, are vulnerable to the elastic amplification
phenomenon as described in the paper.
INTRODUCTION
Soil modification of seismic waves within soil sedimentary
layers overlying bedrock can have significant effects on
both their amplitude and frequency properties. Multiple
reflected seismic waves that are trapped within the soil layers
are periodic in nature as a result of filtering and wave super
Figure 1: Acceleration response spectrum recorded on rock and soil sites at Oakland
position. The deeper the soil layers, the longer it takes for the Outer Harbour in the 1989 earthquake at Loma Prieta, California, United States.
reflected wave front to travel through the soil medium. Thus,
the natural period of the site is controlled by the thickness of The spectral acceleration values are a few times larger on
the soil layers. a soil site in comparison with a rock site, while the amplification
The extent of soil amplification also depends on the level ratio is in the order of four times for the peaks at 0.7s. Such
of shaking, the properties of the soil materials (including its significant and selective amplification phenomenon has to
shear modulus and plasticity) and the shear modulus of the be taken into account in the construction of the response
underlying bedrock materials. Amplification of the response spectrum as per design code of practices
of structures to periodic excitation is very selective in nature,
in that the effects are only pronounced in structures of a BRIEF REVIEW OF EXISTING EC8 MODEL
certain period range. In conditions of severe ground shaking, EC8 recommends two types of elastic response spectrum:
site amplification associated with the periodic motions can Type 1 for high seismicity areas and Type 2 for less active
be suppressed by energy dissipation in an in elastically areas. The spectral shapes mimick the spectral shapes of
responding ductile structure and in the soil medium itself. large (M = 7~7.5) and small (M = 5.5) magnitude events
Thus, its effects have not been explicitly parameterised in occurring at a site-source distance of 10km, which will in
major codes of practices that were derived from research effect, result in different sets of corner periods. However, it is
and experiences in regions of high seismicity. The issue of stated clearly in EC8, Part 1: Clause 3.2.2.2 (2)P that suitable
periodicity has much greater design implications in regions values of corner periods could be investigated and specified
of low-to-moderate seismicity such as Malaysia, where in the NA of a country and that it is not necessary to stick to
structures are typically of limited ductility and motions in the the use of either Type 1 or Type 2 response spectrum.
soil are not as intensive, as the amount of energy dissipation Although the importance of the total thickness of soil
is much less than that in regions of high seismicity. layer is well recognised, site classification nowadays is based
Site effects can be conveniently observed on response solely on the properties to a certain fixed depth of near-
spectra. In situations where a distinct soil-rock interface surface materials. In EC8, a site shall be classified according
exists, the amplification ratio usually has a maximum value to the value of the average shear wave velocity (SWV)
close to the natural period of the soil layer (TS). Figure 1 is a (Vs,30), or the value of Standard Penetration Resistance Test
good example of amplification driven by soil site periodicity; (SPT) – N (for cohesion-less soil), or the value of undrained
it shows the acceleration response spectrum recorded shear strength cu (for cohesive soil), over the upper 30m.
A site shall be classified as either Site Class A, B, C, D, E, S1 than 0.2s, while the amplification for a natural period higher
or S2 based on site soil properties. Profiles containing distinctly than 0.2s is minimal. It is note worthy that the corresponding
different soil and/or rock layers shall be subdivided into those peak displacement demand for such low period structures
layers designated by a number from 1 to n at the bottom is very small in regions of low-to-moderate seismicity. Most
where there are a total of n distinct layers in the upper 30m. structures that are not brittle, would be capable of sustaining
The symbol i then refers to any one of the layers between this very minor peak displacement demand without being
1 and n. The average shear wave velocity Vs,30 can be subjected to any significant risks of collapse.
computed by Equation (1). The same equation also applies A site with TS between 0.15s and 0.5s is classified as a stiff
to the computation of the values of SPT–N and undrained soil site (which combines the original ground type B and C
shear strength. in EC8, for simplicity and practicality). When the site natural
period TS is greater than 0.5s, the site can be considered as
flexible soil site. However, for TS > 1.0s, or deposits consisting
(1) of at least 10m thick of clays/silts with a high plasticity index
(PI > 50), dynamic site response analyses shall be performed
or Type 1 elastic response spectrum for ground type D shall
where Vs,i = The shear wave velocity in m/s; be adopted. A soil column with TS > 1.0s is considered very
di = The thickness of any layer between 0 and 30m. flexible and there may be significant higher modes effects
in the site response behaviours. For deposits of 10m thick
A uniform soil factor, S, shall be applied across the
(or more) of clays/silts with a high plasticity index (PI > 50),
whole response spectrum for each site class (ground type),
special consideration should be taken, as exceptionally high
which is up to 1.4 (for Type 1) and 1.8 (for Type 2). The
amplification can happen.
first corner period TC varies between 0.4 s to 0.8s (for Type
The proposed site classification scheme is presented in
1) and between 0.25s to 0.3s (for Type 2) elastic response
Table 1. This scheme was designed for simplicity, which is
spectrum. Larger values of TC essentially translate to a higher
more suitable for application in regions of low-to-moderate
demand at the intermediate-to-long-period range. TD is fixed
seismicity, and for using site natural period as the sole
at 2.0s (for Type 1) or 1.2s (for Type 2). Noted that TC is the
parameter for site classification. More features of the
first corner period at the upper limit of the constant spectral
response spectrum model for each site will be discussed in
acceleration region of the elastic response spectrum model,
a later section.
whilst TD is the second corner period at the beginning (lower
Table 1: Proposed site classiication scheme
limit) of the constant spectral displacement region.
Description Site Period TS (s)
PROPOSED SITE CLASSIFICATION SCHEME Rock (R) TS < 0.15
In the proposed scheme, a site shall be characterised by
Stiff Soil (SS) 0.15 ≤ TS < 0.5
the weighted average initial SWV (VS), depths of soils (HS)
Flexible Soil (FS) 0.5 ≤ TS ≤ 1.0 *
and the initial low-amplitude natural period (TS) of all the soil
* For TS > 1.0 s, or deposits of at least 10m thick of clays/silts with a high
layers down to the depth of very stiff sedimentary materials
plasticity index (PI > 50), dynamic site response analyses shall be performed or
or bedrock. This site-period approach recognises that deep Type 1 elastic response spectrum for ground type D shall be adopted.
deposits of stiff or dense soils exhibit high-period site response
ELASTIC RESPONSE SPECTRUM FORMAT
characteristics not shown by deposits of only a few 10s of
The Elastic Response Spectrum model can be constructed
metres of the same material.
using Equation (3) in the displacement (RSD) format, as
The value of TS can be estimated based on geophysical
expressed in terms of four spectral parameters, SD (TD), TC,
(or geotechnical) measurements, with the use of Equation
TD and m. The emphasis on the prediction of the value of
(2). It can be computed based on four times the shear-wave
RSD is to align with displacement-based seismic design
travel-time through materials from the surface to underlying
methodology.
stiff sediments or bedrock, if the thickness (di) and initial SWV
(Vs,i) of the individual soil layers are known. Alternatively, the
value of TS can be expressed in terms of the total thickness of
T ≤ TC : SDe(T) = SD(TD)
( T2
TCTD
(
the soil layers (HS) and its weighted average SWV (VS).
TC ≤ T ≤ TD : SDe(T) = SD(TD)
( T
TD
( (3)
(2)
TD ≤ T ≤ 4 : SDe(T) = SD(TD) + m x (T - TD)
In the proposed site classification scheme, a site with TS < The elastic response spectrum model in the acceleration
0.15s, where the soil layers are very thin and/or stiff, the site (RSA) format can be conveniently obtained by direct
can be classified as a rock site (equivalent to the original transformation from the displacement format using Equation (4).
ground type A in EC8). The elastic response spectra for rock 2
2ρ
sites for the three regions have already been fully discussed
in a companion article (Lam et al., 2016a).
Se (T) = SDe (T) x
( T
( (4)
The site amplification for such very thin and/or stiff ground This response spectrum format is nearly identical to that
would mainly concern structures with a natural period lower currently adopted in EC8 and is similar in form to those
adopted in various codes of practice worldwide. The only Table 2: Proposed spectral parameters, SD (TD), TC and TD
difference is at the constant-displacement range, where a Ground TS (s) SD (TD) (mm) Slope m TC (s) TD (s)
linear function has been proposed for reflecting the unique Type
seismicity pattern of the region. Rock (R) TS < 0.15 γI x SDR (1.25) γI x mR
PROPOSED SPECTRAL PARAMETERS
Stiff Soil 0.15 ≤ TS γI x SDR (1.25) γI x mR 0.3 1.25
(SS) < 0.5 x 1.5
For rock (R) sites, SD(TD) is the region-specific spectral
displacement on rock SDR(T ) at T = 1.25s. This value is 16mm Flexible 0.5 ≤ TS ≤ γI x SDR (1.5 TS ) γI x mF 1.2 TS 1.5 TS
Soil (FS) 1.0 *
(24mm) for Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, and 28mm x 3.6
(42mm) for Sabah, for a notional return period of 475 years * For TS > 1.0 s, or deposits consisting of at least 10m thick of clays/silts with a high
plasticity index (PI > 50), dynamic site response analyses shall be performed or
(values in parenthesis for return period of 2,475 years).
Type 1 elastic response spectrum for ground type D shall be adopted.
For stiff soil (SS) sites, a uniform S-factor of 1.5 shall be
applied across the whole response spectrum on rock. This Table 3: Proposed regional-dependent hazard parameters, agR, SDR (1.25), mR
and mF for notional 475 years return period.
recommendation is consistent with that for ground type
D of EC8 Type 2 spectrum (for regions of low-to-moderate Region agR (g) SDR (1.25)(mm) mR mF
seismicity). The values of the two corner periods TC and TD
are taken as the same as that for rock sites, which are equal Peninsular 0.07 16 6.7
0
Malaysia
to 0.3s and 1.25s respectively. TB is fixed as 0.1s for all ground
types in the proposed scheme. However, it is noted that the Sarawak 0.07 16 0 0
form of the response spectrum in the NA has not explicitly Sabah 0.12 28 40 26.7
indicated TB as it is undesirable in practice, given uncertainties
in the value of the natural period of vibration of the structure.
For flexible soil (FS) sites, a response spectrum model that
takes into account resonant-like amplification phenomenon
is proposed (Lam et al., 2001; Tsang et al., 2006a; Tsang et al.,
2006b; Tsang et al., 2013; Tsang et al., 2015). SD(TD), TC and TD,
shall be computed using Equations (5)-(7):
where SDR (1.5TS) is the response spectral displacement
(RSD) on rock at T = 1.5TS. Figure 2: Schematic diagram of the proposed model for (a) rock and stiff soil sites,
as well as (b) lexible soil sites (in RSD format).
SD (TD) = SDR(1.5TS) x S (5)
WORKED EXAMPLE
TC = 1.2TS (6) In order to demonstrate the proposed model for incorporation
into the draft NA for flexible soil (FS) sites, a typical
TD = 1.5TS (7) engineering borehole record was taken from a soil site in
Peninsular Malaysia as example (See Figure 3). For clarity,
Response spectral velocity (RSV) of a soil spectrum typically
Table 4 shows the SPT-N values for individual soil layers.
peaks between 1.2TS and 1.5TS (Tsang et al., 2006b), with
It is noted that the computation of equivalent values of
respect to the level of ground shakings in regions of low-
N > 50 for certain soil layers is above the normally considered
to-moderate seismicity. S is the site amplification factor of
“saturated limit” of 50 (e.g. at depth of 33m, N = 50 with a
3.6 (Tsang et al., 2006a), which is applied at the constant-
penetration depth P = 270mm; the equivalent N should be
velocity range (intermediate period range). For example,
calculated as 50x300/270 = 55.6).
the equivalent amplification ratio at T = 1.0s ranges from
In view of the lack of local studies, empirical formulas that
2.5 to 5.9 in other major codes of practice (including EC8,
are applicable to all types of soils as summarised in Wair et al.,
International Building Code, Australian Standard and New
2012 were referenced. Table 4 also shows computations of
Zealand Standard). In fact, the largest amplification ratio at
SWV values and the corresponding SPT–N values based on two
the low-period range would be 1.8, which is consistent with
empirical formulas that are applicable to all types of soils (i.e.,
that for ground type D of EC8 Type 2 spectrum.
Imai and Tonouchi, 1982 and Sisman, 1995). The individual soil
Table 2 shows a summary of the proposed models for all site
layers thickness (di) over initial SWV (Vs,i) ratio were calculated
classes. Table 3 summarises the key regional-dependent hazard
to obtain the weighted average SWV (VS) by the use of Eq.
parameters. Importance factor γI should be referred to another
(1). In this case, VS = 42/0.19 = 221 m/s. The value of TS can be
companion paper (i.e. Lam et al., 2016b). The parameters slope
expressed in terms of the total thickness of the soil layers (HS)
mR and mF are aimed at capturing the long period spectral
and its weighted average SWV (VS) via the use of Eq. (2), TS =
shape of distant events. Figure 2 shows a schematic diagram of
4 x 42/221 ≈ 0.7s, which falls in between 0.5s and 1.0s, and is
the proposed response spectrum models for the three ground
categorised as FS (as in Table 2).
types (in RSD format). The model has been well validated
Based on the spectral parameters in Tables 2 and 3, the
through comparison with results obtained from computational
following calculations show steps for construction of the
site response analysis of soil columns derived from real borehole
response spectrum for this FS site in Peninsular Malaysia for a
records, as well as from strong motion data recorded in the
notional 475 years return period (γI = 1):
Northridge earthquake, 1994.
depth di Imai & Tonouchi Sisman Vs,i di /Vs,i 28.5 1.5 34 294 198 246 0.006
SPT-N
(m) (m) (1982) (1995) (m/s) (s)
30 1.5 31 285 189 237 0.006
0 0 0 0 0 0 0.000
31.5 1.5 33 291 195 243 0.006
1.5 1.5 6 170 82 126 0.012
33 1.5 55.6 343 255 299 0.005
3.5 2 7 179 88 134 0.015
34.5 1.5 60 351 265 308 0.005
4.5 1 10 200 106 153 0.007
36 1.5 88.2 396 322 359 0.004
6 1.5 10 200 106 153 0.010
37.5 1.5 107 421 356 388 0.004
7.5 1.5 16 232 135 183 0.008
39 1.5 100 412 343 378 0.004
9 1.5 17 236 139 188 0.008
40.5 1.5 150 468 422 445 0.003
10.5 1.5 17 236 139 188 0.008
42 1.5 214 523 506 515 0.003
12 1.5 21 252 155 204 0.007
Σ = 42.0 Σ = 0.190
13.5 1.5 19 245 147 196 0.008
15 1.5 21 252 155 204 0.007 NOTE: the Malaysia EC8 NA suggested that sedimentary layers with
16.5 1.5 24 263 166 214 0.007 SPT-N value greater than 100 can be omitted in the computations of
site natural period and weighted average SWV; nonetheless more
18 1.5 27 273 176 225 0.007
layers of soil after SPT-N 100 can be included for calculation as
19.5 1.5 25 267 169 218 0.007 shown in Table 4.
21 1.5 27 273 176 225 0.007
22.5 1.5 28 276 179 228 0.007 Step 1: Calculate TC and TD for flexible soil site according to
24 1.5 24 263 166 214 0.007 Equations (6)-(7):
25.5 1.5 29 279 183 231 0.006 TC = 1.2 x TS = 1.2 x 0.7 = 0.84s
27 1.5 31 285 189 237 0.006 TD = 1.5 x TS = 1.5 x 0.7 = 1.05s
Step 2: Calculate SDR (TD) on rock according to Equation (3) COMPARISON OF RESPONSE SPECTRUM MODEL FOR
and Table 3: FLEXIBLE SOIL SITE WITH EC8 MODEL
For rock site, TC = 0.3s and TD = 1.25s, hence The elastic response spectrum constructed in accordance
with the proposed model as per the draft NA for a flexible
SDR(TD) = SDR (1.5TS) = SDR (1.05) = SD (TD)
( T
TD
( = (16 x 1.05 / 1.25) = 13.44 mm
soil (FS) site with TS = 0.7s (in the range of 0.5 s to 1.0 s) is
shown in Figure 4, along with that stipulated by EC8 for Class
Step 3: Calculate SD (TD) on soil according to Equation (5)
SD (TD) = SDR (1.5 TS) x S = 13.44 x 3.6 = 48.38mm D and E sites of Type 1 and Type 2 spectra. Both soil spectra
Step 4: Calculate the whole range of SDe (T) on soil according are based on a common spectrum for rock, which is based
to Equation (3); corner periods are shown in detail and on notional peak ground acceleration of 0.1g (2,475 years
summarised in Table 5 return period) in Peninsular Malaysia. The selective nature of
T ≤ 0.84s: SDe (T ) = 48.38 [T2 / (0.84 x 1.05)] response spectral amplification on a flexible soil layer is well
0.84s ≤ T ≤ 1.05s: SDe (T ) = 48.38 (T / 1.05) reflected in the shape of the proposed soil spectrum. Whilst
1.05s ≤ T ≤ 4s: SDe (T ) = 48.38 + 0 (T – 1.05), where m = mF = 0 the amount of amplification of the proposed RS in the higher
Step 5: Transformation into acceleration (RSA) format in unit period range falls in between Type 1 and Type 2 model of
of g from the displacement (RSD) format using Equation (4), EC8, the proposed model is not as conservative in the short
both of which are shown in detail and summarised in Table 5 period range. In summary, the proposed RS model resembles
real behaviour of elastically responding structures much
T ≤ 0.84s: Se (T ) = 48.38 [T2 / (0.84 x 1.05)] x (2π / T)2 / 9810 better than that of the existing EC8 model.
0.84s ≤ T ≤ 1.05s: Se (T ) = 48.38 (T / 1.05) x (2π / T)2 / 9810
1.05s ≤ T ≤ 4s: Se (T ) = [48.38 + 0 (T – 1.05)] x (2π / T)2 / 9810
TS = 0.7s
Period ( T ), s
SDe (mm) Se (g)
0.00 0.00 0.22
0.10 0.55 0.22
0.20 2.19 0.22 Figure 4. Comparison of proposed response spectrum model for lexible soil (a)
0.30 4.94 0.22 RSA format (b) RSD format, for 2,475 years return period in
Peninsular Malaysia.
0.40 8.78 0.22
0.50 13.71 0.22 COMMENTS ON VERTICAL EARTHQUAKE ACTIONS
0.60 19.75 0.22 Vertical action is particularly important for near fault ground
motion which is the design earthquake scenarios in higher
0.70 26.88 0.22
seismicity regions. Nonetheless, provisions for vertical
0.80 35.11 0.22
earthquake actions as per recommendations by EC8 are
0.84 (TC) 38.70 0.22
introduced, whilst the ratio of avg/ag is taken as 0.7 based on
0.90 41.47 0.21
the recent research findings reported by Elgamal and He
1.00 46.08 0.19
(2004). Given that the design horizontal action in Malaysia
1.05 (TD) 48.38 0.18
is generally low it is of the opinion of the NA drafting team
1.10 48.38 0.16 that vertical action would not be the controlling factor in
1.20 48.38 0.14 the design of most building structures. It is also noted that
1.30 48.38 0.12 horizontal ground motion is amplified much more than
1.40 48.38 0.10 vertical ground motion on soil sites.
1.50 48.38 0.09
1.60 48.38 0.08
CONCLUSIONS
A set of elastic response spectrum models for various ground
1.80 48.38 0.06
conditions is to be incorporated into the NA to EC8 for
2.00 48.38 0.05
Malaysia to replace the original provisions in EC8. Central to
2.20 48.38 0.04
the construction of the response spectrum is the site natural
2.40 48.38 0.03
period (TS) which is to be estimated using relationships
2.60 48.38 0.03 presented in the paper. The selective nature of response
2.80 48.38 0.02 spectral amplification on a flexible soil layer is well reflected
3.00 48.38 0.02 in the shape of the proposed soil spectrum which resembles
3.20 48.38 0.02 real behaviour much better than the response spectrum
3.40 48.38 0.02 models stipulated by EC8 itself.
3.60 48.38 0.02 Notations
3.80 48.38 0.01 HS depths of soils
4.00 48.38 0.01 N SPT values
S soil factor
SD(TD) region-specific spectral displacement on rock
SDe(T) elastic displacement response spectrum
SDR(T) elastic displacement response spectrum on rock
Se(T) elastic horizontal ground acceleration response
T vibration period of a linear single degree of freedom system
TB lower limit of the period of the constant spectral acceleration branch
TC first corner period
TD second corner period
TS initial low-amplitude site natural period (note: this symbol is different from EC8
where Ts is referred as the duration of the stationary part of the seismic motion)
VS weighted average initial shear wave velocity
Vs,i shear wave velocity of individual soil layer
Vs,30 average value of propagation velocity of S waves in the upper 30 m of the
soil profile
ag notional design peak ground acceleration on rock
avg design ground acceleration in the vertical direction
di thickness of any layer between 0 and 30 m
m slope parameter to capture long period spectral shape of distant events
mF slope parameter on flexible soil
mR slope parameter on rock
q behaviour factor
γI importance factor
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the continuous support from IEM in the facilitation of the
many workshops and meetings over the years, culminating in the drafting
of the National Annex. We also acknowledge the intellectual input from
E.P. Lim, Ahmed Zuhal Zaeem and other active participants from EC8 TC.
REFERENCES
[1] Australian Standard: AS 1170.4-2007, Structural Design Actions, Part 4: Earthquake Actions in Australia.
Sydney, Australia: Standards Australia; 2007.
[2] Dickenson S.E., Seed R.B., Lysmer J., Mok C.M. (1991). Response of soft soils during the 1989
Loma Prieta earthquake and implications for seismic design criteria, Proceedings of the 4th Pacific
Conference on Earthquake Engineering, Vol. 3, pp. 191-204, New Zealand National Society for
Earthquake Engineering, Auckland, New Zealand, 20-23 November, 1991.
[3] Elgamal A., and He L. (2004). Vertical earthquake ground motion records: an overview. Journal of
Earthquake Engineering 8: 663-697.
[4] EN 1998-1:2004, Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance – Part 1: General Rules,
Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings. United Kingdom: European Committee for Standardisation;
2004.
[5] Imai T., and Tonouchi K. (1982). Correlation of N value with S-wave velocity and shear modulus. In:
Proc. of the 2nd European Symp. on Penetration Testing, Amsterdam, 67–72.
[6] International Building Code (IBC). Country Club Hill, Illinois, USA: International Code Council; 2012.
[7] Lam N.T.K., Wilson J.L., Chandler A.M. (2001). Seismic displacement response spectrum estimated
from the frame analogy soil amplification model. Engineering Structures 23: 1437-1452.
[8] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Looi, D.T.W., Wilson, J.L., Hee, M.C. (2016a). Design response spectrum
models for rock sites. JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia).
January Issue
[9] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Wilson, J.L., Looi, D.T.W., Hee, M.C. (2016b). Performance criteria and
design parameters. JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia). January
Issue.
[10] New Zealand Standard: NZS 1170.5:2004, Structural Design Actions Part 5: Earthquake Actions – New
Zealand. Wellington, New Zealand: Standards New Zealand; 2004.
[11] Sisman H. (1995). An Investigation on Relationships between Shear Wave Velocity, and SPT and
Pressuremeter Test Results. Master of Science Thesis, Ankara University, Turkey.
[12] Tsang H.H., Chandler A.M., Lam N.T.K. (2006a). Estimating non-linear site response by single period
approximation. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics;35(9):1053-1076.
[13] Tsang H.H., Chandler A.M., Lam N.T.K. (2006b). Simple models for estimating period-shift and damping
in soil. Earthquake Engineering and Structural Dynamics;35(15):1925-1947.
[14] Tsang H.H., Lam N.T.K, Wilson J.L. (2013). A displacement based soil amplification model for low
and moderate seismicity regions. Proceedings of the IStructE Conference on Structural Engineering in
Hazard Mitigation, Beijing, China, October 28-29, 2013.
[15] Tsang H.H., Wilson J.L., Lam N.T.K. (2015). Recommended Site Classification Scheme and Design
Spectrum Model for Regions of Lower Seismicity. Proceedings of the Pacific Conference on Earthquake
Engineering, Sydney, Australia, November 6-8, 2015.
[16] Wair B.R., DeJong J.T., Shantz T. (2012). Guidelines for Estimation of Shear Wave Velocity Profiles,
PEER Report 2012/08.
roof trusses and floor trusses, the building design light gauge steel frames but there
system is thus a combination of finished are companies which are using it for
building system that can be used to various purposes that are beyond what
design, detail and manufacture steel the ENDUROFRAME® building system was
frames for residential and commercial originally intended for.
structures, adding that the company “For example, we have a licensee in
has customers who are using the Malaysia that is using our system in a lost
ENDUROFRAME® building system for lost formwork application and it is something
formwork and curtain wall applications that we have never originally designed
as well. the system for. We sold the building system
to a Melbourne-based company that
A SMART, SIMPLE SOLUTION FOR intends to use it for a facade application.
HOUSING We also have companies that bought
The ENDUROFRAME® business was set up the building system for making modular
about four years ago in Australia to bring buildings.
together all BlueScope’s intellectual “Again, this is something we did
T
hink about this: Design your building property in steel framing. This includes not originally foresee. In the hands of
in software, get the design printed ways to build with light gauge steel engineers, it has many areas that can be
by a special machine and have frames, especially in developing smart used and explored,” he shared.
the parts installed and assembled on software, installation and manufacturing The ENDUROCADD® software system
site. With that, the building business of steel frames. also offers features such as curved roofs
has just become easier for builders, One of the main components of and walls in both plan and elevation
manufacturers and developers. the ENDUROFRAME® building system views – by making them in small and short
It does sound like a 3D printing is the smart software system called segments.
system that is doing the job but ENDUROCADD®. It is a brain child of In addition, the ENDUROCADD®
ENDUROFRAME® building system Business more than 20 years of light gauge steel software system and its associated
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“The key thing about the from thousands of past projects. hundreds of hours of testing to confirm
ENDUROFRAME® building system is about Described as the core of the their performance.
digital fabrication. The entire building ENDUROFRAME® building system, it is Furthermore, various trainings are
can be built in a computer. smart and versatile, thanks to the power provided locally through NS BlueScope
“We are able to model, detail and of the digital age. Malaysia Sdn. Bhd. and one of them
engineer a building, to see exactly what “It’s smart because it’s all about is how to use the software by drawing
it looks like and whether the building technology. We believe that one of on experiences from other countries.
fits with other elements such as the the big movements that is happening It includes demonstrations on how the
mechanical and electrical features as around the world at the moment is the ENDUROFRAME® building system can
well as the architecture. shift towards digital fabrication. be used in low-rise, mid-rise and multi-
“All these can be checked before “You could have an architect and storey buildings, in addition to providing
the digital file is downloaded into the builder in Malaysia, someone doing the assistance to support the machines
roll former, which is similar to a 3D printer, design of the components in Australia and (ENDURO® rollformer) that manufacture
to literally print out a house.” Jones an engineer in the United States. And it is the frames.
explained. all about shifting around digital files. Jones believes that this is an essential
He added that the ENDUROFRAME® “You could have collaborations from step to ensure that the machines are
building system “pretty much” provides many people in different locations to get running efficiently, working productively
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steel building. available in the market today, the The ENDUROCADD® software system
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by a special machine called the the software – all that is needed is the as Malaysia. It is the only steel framing
ENDURO® rollformer. building skills of the user. software that is entirely self-certified and
Jones said that as the building system In terms of its versatility, Jones said the audited in accordance with the ABCB
consists of elements such as wall frames, software system is a tool to help users to Protocol for Structural Software.
Disclaimer:
IEM and Dimension do not give any warranty as to the completeness or accuracy of any information, instruction, advice and /or opinion stated in this
Publication and IEM and/ or Dimension shall not held responsible for the outcome of any action or decision based on such information, instruction, advise and/
or opinion. Unless speciied, nothing herein shall be deemed to be an endorsement of any product or opinion by IEM or Dimension.
I
n the proposed seismic action model to be incorporated into the National Annex (NA) to Eurocode
8 (EC8) for Malaysia, the design seismic actions for important built facilities are benchmarked on a
2,475 years return period (RP) earthquake action whereas the reference seismic action (notional 475
year RP) to be considered for ordinary buildings is the design action scaled by a factor of 2/3. Decisions
leading to the proposal are explained and terminologies clariied in the paper which draws frequent
references to the literature citing major codes of practices.
plate boundaries, only rare or very rare earthquake events are of concern. So, the DL
performance criterion need not be checked in such an environment except for built
facilities forming part of lifeline facilities in the aftermath of an earthquake disaster or
buildings containing hazardous materials.
Refer to Table 1 for a summary of the performance criteria of building structures
as defined by the two parts of EC8 and the SEAOC Vision 2000 document.
Parameters for design seismic actions
In this section, recommendations for the value of the return period of seismic
actions and PGA values for buildings of different importance classes and the
behaviour factor are discussed. The return period of the considered seismic actions
that are aligned with the No Collapse (NC) performance criterion, is to be decided
on a country-by-country basis, given that factors governing such a decision would
involve social, economic and political considerations. Thus, the return period for
the NC performance criterion is to be specified in the respective NA of the country.
It is stated in the footnote attached to Clause 2.1 in EC8 – Part 1, that ground
motion intensity in a rare earthquake event consistent with a 10% chance
of exceedance for a design life of 50 years (i.e. return period of 475 years) is
recommended as the design seismic action. It was noted that this recommendation
was drafted in the late 1990s, at a time when it was still the norm to not consider
return periods exceeding 475 years in the design of structures supporting ordinary
buildings (Booth, 2014). Implicit in the NC performance criterion is that the building
is expected to have sufficient additional reserve capacity to sustain a very
rare, and extreme, earthquake event without experiencing wholesale collapse
(Fardis, 2009).
Seismic design provisions around the world have evolved over the decades,
during which time experience gained through field observations from places like
California, have been taken into account in numerous code revisions. In such an
environment dominated by active faults, the intensity of ground shaking is increased
by a factor which is slightly greater than 1.5 as the return period is increased from
475 years to 2,475 years (Tsang, 2014). Code compliant constructions that have
been designed to fulfil NC performance criterion are expected to have sufficient
additional reserve capacity to also fulfil collapse prevention criterion when subject
to seismic actions that are 1.5 times the design level. Despite this margin of safety
from collapse that is implicit in contemporary practices, major earthquake disasters
in recent years, including the 1995 Kobe earthquake in Japan and the 2008 Sichuan
earthquake in China, prompted a critical review of the adequacy of this long
established convention of designing to a return period of 475 years (Tsang, 2011).
In regions of low or moderate seismicity (where earthquakes occur infrequently
and active faults are difficult to identify), ground shaking intensity ratio that is
associated with an increase in return period from 475 years to 2,475 years, can be
escalated to a value much greater than 1.5. A factor varying between 2.4 and 5 is
predicted for earthquakes in an intraplate environment (Tsang, 2014, Geoscience
Australia, 2012). Given these predictions, building structures designed on a return
period of 475 years to fulfil NC performance criterion in an intraplate environment,
would not automatically possess adequate additional reserve capacity to prevent
collapse in a very rare event.
The trend of moving away from the conventional practice of designing to a
return period of 475 years was initiated by the influential FEMA450 document (BCCS,
2003) which was to guide the design of new buildings in the United States. The
design seismic action was recommended to be based on a maximum considered
earthquake (MCE) of 2,475 years, scaled down by a factor of 2/3 (reciprocal of 1.5).
This scaling factor can be interpreted as the margin between the state of NC and
collapse prevention of the structure in order that code compliant buildings can
always be assured of the capacity to prevent collapse in a very rare earthquake
event.
The 2005 edition of the National Building Code of Canada (NRCC, 2005)
increased the return period from 475 years to 2,475 years without applying a scaled
down factor of 2/3 (Mitchell et al., 2010) but a generous 2.5% drift limit, which was
consistent with the Collapse Prevention performance criterion, was specified. The
January 2016 JURUTERA 31
FEATURE
NA to EC8 for the United Kingdom (BSI, 2008) also specified a return period of 2,475
years to override the recommendation of 475 years in EC8 – Part 1 (CEN, 2004)
for designing to No Collapse (Life Safe) performance criterion, which was more
stringent than requirements in Canada.
In perspective, a design return period of 2,475 years is actually not overly
conservative, given that the annual fatality risk of an occupant in a building which
has been designed to a return period of 2,475 years is of the order of 10-6, which is
consistent with involuntary fatality risk affecting building occupants in other types
of natural disasters (Tsang, 2014).
In view of the facts presented in the above design, seismic actions
presented in terms of PGA values on rock sites are recommended herein for
various importance classes of buildings as summarised in Table 2 for Peninsular
Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah. It is shown that all built facilities of importance
class IV, including hospitals, emergency services and other lifeline facilities,
are to be designed to a return period of 2,475 years to fulfil NC performance
criterion in order that these facilities are safe to occupy in the aftermath of a
very rare event as well as fit to continue to operate in more frequent events.
Reference seismic actions to be considered in the design of ordinary buildings of
importance class II in Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak, are accordingly based
on a reference PGA value of 0.07g (being 0.1g/1.5) which provides adequate
protection of ordinary buildings from collapse in a very rare earthquake event.
By interpolation a design PGA of 0.08g is stipulated for buildings of intermediate
class III such as condominium, schools and public buildings which can house a
large number of occupants at times.
Table 2: Design PGA on rock sites for Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak and Sabah.
Importance
Importance Recommended Building
Factor, Notional design PGA, ag (g's)
Class Categories
γI
Peninsular
Malaysia and Sabah
Sarawak
0.10 (0.8 x
I 0.8 Minor constructions 0.06 (0.8 x 0.07)
0.12)
0.12 Reference
Ordinary buildings (individual 0.07 Reference
PGA
II 1.0 dwellings or shops in low rise PGA (notional
(notional 475
buildings) 475 years RP)
years RP)
Buildings of large occupancies
(condominiums, shopping 0.14 (1.2 x
III 1.2 0.08 (1.2 x 0.07)
centres, schools and public 0.12)
buildings)
Lifeline built facilities (hospitals,
emergency services, power 0.10 (2,475 0.18 (2,475
IV 1.5
plants and communication years RP) years RP)
facilities)
Seismic actions to be considered for design purposes for any building class
at any location in Malaysia are to be derived from the benchmark model based
on a return period of 2,475 years and then scaled down in accordance to the
respective design PGA value as listed in one of the tables. The allowed inter-storey
drift limit is 1.5% to fulfil NC, or life safe, performance criterion.
The proposed seismic actions to be considered for the design of built facilities
for Peninsular Malaysia and Sarawak are less stringent in many ways than those
adopted in Canada and in the United Kingdom where ordinary building structures
are to be designed to a return period of 2,475 years, and can be described as
comparable to the planned revision to the Australian Standard which stipulates
a minimum design PGA value of 0.08g for ordinary buildings irrespective of results
from updated probabilistic seismic hazard analyses.
Finally, a behaviour factor (q) is to be stipulated to take into account the
capacity of the structure at the member level to withstand seismic actions beyond
its notional capacity limits. The elastic spectrum is to be scaled down by the factor
of 1/q into the design spectrum (refer Clause 3.2.2.5) for linear analysis, from which
Table 3: Recommended and default values of behaviour factor q for limited ductile
structures.
Over-
Region/ Standards/ Behaviour
strength Ductility
Country Codes factor
factor
Proposed
Malaysia 1.2 1.25 1.5
NA to MS
Europe Eurocode 8
1.5 1.0 1.5
Singapore NA to SS
Canada NBCC 1.3 1.5 2.0
Australia AS1170.4 1.3 2.0 2.6
Notations Kindly note that the scheduled events below are subject
Sp performance factor to change. Please visit the IEM website at www.myiem.
ag notional design peak ground acceleration on rock org.my for more information on the upcoming events.
T
his paper introduces a quasi-static method of analysis which circumvents issues generated by
uncertainties in the natural period properties of real building structures. Decisions leading to the
proposal are explained and terminologies clariied.
the actual values, mainly because of uncertainties in the natural period properties
of the building concerned. The conservatism stems from inconsistencies in the
natural period value calculated by equation (1a) and that reported by the
computer analysis of the structural frame model of the building. This problem can
be circumvented by introducing the capacity spectrum method (in a linear elastic A Nehemiah Group of Companies
analysis setting) which makes use of the calculated static deflection of the building Formerly Neusynthetics Sdn. Bhd.
to infer on an improved estimate of the fundamental natural period of vibration We are a supplier of high quality
of the building. The revised lateral forces and the corresponding deflection can geosynthetic products used for soft soil
be significantly lower than that estimated by equations (1a) to (1c). Only static stabilization, slope reinforcement, coastal
erosion protection, river bank protection,
analyses are involved and these are easy for the average structural engineer to
landfills, drainage, road and railway
understand. construction.
Our Products:
ILLUSTRATION BY A WORKED EXAMPLE
The lateral force method and the capacity spectrum method (which is referred NEXTILE NON-WOVENS
herein collectively as the quasi-static method of analysis) are illustrated in the NEXFORCE HIGH-STRENGTH WOVENS
following eight-storey building under Malaysian seismic actions. The reinforced
NEXGRID GEOGRIDS
concrete hospital building (Figure 1), corresponding to Class IV importance level
and situated on a flexible soil site (site period TS = 0.5 s), measures 31.2m × 93.8m We also provide design, specification, bill of
on plan and stands at a height of 25.6m above ground. The lateral force resisting quantities, cost estimate and drawings
free-of-charge.
system is contributed by wall-frame interaction. The typical storey height is 3.2m,
typical span is 7.8m with 600mm × 600mm secondary beams separating the 150mm-
thick slabs into one-way action. The main beams are sized at 800mm × 600mm. The
wall thickness is 250mm, dimension of major columns is 850mm × 800mm, except
for the 450mm × 450mm corner columns at the two wings. For gravity load, a
superimposed dead load of 5.2 kPa is estimated for partitions, finishes and ceilings,
and an average live load of 5 kPa is adopted (Looi et al., 2015).
sales@neusynthetics.com
Sales Team:
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Gordon (012-355 0872)
Figure 2: Elastic and design response spectrum (a) displacement and (b)
acceleration on a Flexible Soil Site (TS = 0.5 s) for Class IV building N E H E M IA H G E O S Y N T H E T IC S S D N . B H D .
No. 45-3, Jalan PJU 5/20,
The Strand, Kota Damansara,
Sd = Se γI / q = 0.31g × 1.5 / 1.5 = 0.31g, where γI is the importance factor (1.5 47810 Petaling Jaya,
www.neusynthetics.com
Selangor Darul Ehsan.
for Class IV) and q is the behaviour factor (1.5 proposed in the NA). Malaysia.
Σ m δ (
(
2
i i 168,904,374 7 8864 67.0 594,237 26,303 47.6
δeff
= = ≈ 53mm
(2)
Σmδ i i 3,185,482 6 8864 59.5 527,073 23,330 42.3
Step Five: Calculating effective mass (meff) and improved 5 8864 50.3 445,726 19,729 35.8
estimate of response spectral acceleration (Sd) from equation 4 10,370 39.7 411,814 18,228 28.3
(1b)
3 10,400 29.1 302,580 13,393 20.7
(Σ m δi ((
(Σ
2
i (3,185,482)2
eff =
m 2 = ≈ 60,077
tons (3) 2 10,400 18.2 189,391 8383 13.0
miδi 168,904,374
1 10,400 7.8 81,590 3611 5.6
meff 60
60 ,077 6 3200 63.5 9.7 4.9 0.152 0.5
Teff = 2 p = 2p = 0.8 s
keff 3,747,103
5 3200 53.8 11.3 5.6 0.176 0.5
Compared to the results obtained from ETABS (CSI, 2003) 4 3200 42.5 11.4 5.7 0.178 0.5
simulation, the first mode shape period is 0.81 s in the X direction 3 3200 31.1 11.7 5.8 0.182 0.5
and second mode shape period is 0.79 s in the Y direction 2 3200 19.4 11.1 5.5 0.173 0.5
(Figure 3). 1 3200 8.4 8.4 4.2 0.131 0.5
CONCLUSIONS
1. Lateral Force method of analysis is allowed for buildings of up to 50m (16
storeys) in height and is recommended for buildings of up to 25m (8 storeys),
irrespective of the regularity conditions in elevation.
2. Estimates by the Lateral Force method may be overly conservative because
of uncertainties in the natural period properties of the building concerned.
3. The predicted lateral forces and the corresponding deflections may be
revised to lower values by applying the capacity spectrum method (in
a linear elastic analysis setting) which makes use of the calculated static
deflection of the building to infer an improved estimate of the fundamental
natural period of vibration of the building.
4. The Lateral Force method and the Capacity Spectrum method are
collectively described as the quasi-static method of analysis, which is
illustrated by an example eight-storey building.
5. It is shown by example that the lateral force and deflection demand
have been overstated by the Lateral Force method by a factor of 1.4
approximately.
ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
We acknowledge the continuous support from IEM in the facilitation of the
many workshops and meetings over the years, culminating in the drafting of the
National Annex. We also acknowledge the intellectual input by E.P. Lim, Ahmed
Zuhal Zaeem and other active participants from EC8 TC.
Notations
Fb design base shear
Fi lateral force at floor level i
H height of building
SD(T) design displacement response spectrum
SDe(T) elastic displacement response spectrum
Sd(T) design response spectral acceleration
Sd(T1) design response spectral acceleration at period T1
Se(T) elastic horizontal ground acceleration response
T1 fundamental natural period of vibration
TC first corner period
TD second corner period
REFERENCES
[1] AS 1170.4 (2007) Structural Design Actions – Part 4 Earthquake Actions. Standards
Australia.
[2] AEES (2009) AS 1170.4 Commentary: Structural Design Actions – Part 4 Earthquake
Actions. Victoria: Australian Earthquake Engineering Society.
[3] BC3 (2013) Guidebook for Design of Buildings in Singapore to Design Requirements in
SSEN-1998-1. Singapore: Building and Construction Authority.
[4] CSI (2003). ETABS Integrated Building Design Software Introductory User's Guide.
Computers and Structures, Inc. Berkeley, California, USA.
[5] CEN (2004) EN 1998 1. 2004. Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for Earthquake Resistance
– Part 1: General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for Buildings. European Committee
for Standardisation, Brussells.
[6] Fardipour, M., Lumantarna, E., Lam, N., Wilson, J., Gad, E. (2011). Drift Demand
Predictions in Low to Moderate Seismicity Regions, Australian Journal of Structural
Engineering 11(3), 195-206.
[7] Lam, N.T.K. (2011), “Use of Spreadsheets for Analyses in Structural Engineering”,
Applications of Spreadsheets in Education: The Amazing Power of a Simple Tool, (Ed.
Sugen, S. & Kwan, M.), Bentham Science Publisher: Chapter 2, 16–40.
[8] Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Wilson, J.L., Looi, D.T.W., Hee, M.C. (2016). Performance
criteria and design parameters. JURUTERA (the monthly bulletin of the Institution of
Engineers, Malaysia). January Issue.
[9] Looi, D.T.W., Lam, N.T.K., Tsang, H.H., Hee, M.C. (2015). Seismic analysis in the low
to moderate seismicity region of Malaysia based on the draft handbook. Proceedings of
the 10th Pacific Conference on Earthquake Engineering, 6 - 8 November 2015, Sydney,
Australia.
[10] NA to SS EN 1998 1. 2013. Singapore National Annex to Eurocode 8: Design of Structures
for Earthquake Resistance – Part 1: General Rules, Seismic Actions and Rules for
Buildings. Singapore: SPRING Singapore.
[11] Su, R.K.L, Tsang, H.H. and Lam, N.T.K. (2011) Seismic Design of Buildings in Hong Kong,
Department of Civil Engineering, The University of Hong Kong.
[12] Zhu, Y., Su, R.K.L. and Zhou, F.L. (2007). Cursory Seismic Drift Assessment for Buildings
in Moderate Seismicity Regions, Earthquake Engineering and Engineering Vibration 6(1),
85-97.
Kindly note that the scheduled events below are subject to change. Please
visit the IEM website at www.myiem.org.my for more information on the
upcoming events.
I
n order to understand the implications of earthquake design in Malaysia, a cost study was undertaken
by the Working Group 1 of IEM Technical Committee for Earthquake. Since Malaysia would soon
adopt Eurocode as the design standard and, with the development of the Malaysian NA to EC8,
studying all aspects of earthquake engineering is deemed necessary. Therefore with the introduction
of the design spectrum for Malaysia, the cost study is a stepping stone for engineers in understanding
the implication of earthquake design guidelines in Malaysia.
Figure 1b:.5-storey ofice building degenerated into a 2D model Figure 1f: 1-storey link house Figure 1g: 2-storey link house
ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
The authors would like to thank the IEM Earthquake Technical
Committee for the technical and financial support given
to conduct the research. Valuable intellectual inputs
by various participants from EC8 TC are also gratefully
acknowledged.
Figure 2a: Pushover capacity curve Figure 2b: Pushover demand curve REFERENCES
[1] CEN (2004) EN 1998 1. 2004. Eurocode 8: Design of Structures for
ANALYSIS AND RESULTS Earthquake Resistance – Part 1: General Rules, Seismic Actions
Cost Estimation is calculated under static load conditions and Rules for Buildings. European Committee for Standardisation,
Brussells.
(dead load, imposed load, wind load and notional
[2] CEN (2005) EN 1991 1. 2005. Eurocode 1: Actions on structures. General actions – Wind actions-Part 4. European Committee for Standardisation,
Brussells.
[3] CEN (2004) EN 1992 1. 2004. Eurocode 2: Design of concrete structures - Part 1-1: General rules and rules for buildings. European Committee for
Standardisation, Brussells.
[4] Hee, M. C., Tsang, H. H., and Lam, N. T. K., Looi, D.T.W., (2015) “Drafting the Malaysia National Annex to Eurocode 8: Recommended Seismic Loadings and Cost
Implication” IStrcutE Internationl Conference.
[5] Hee, M. C., Tsang, H. H., and Lam, N. T. K., Looi, D.T.W., (2015) “Draft National Annex to Eurocode 8 for Malaysia and cost implication for residential buildings with
thin size elements” Proceedings of the Ninth Paciic Conference on Earthquake Engineering Building an Earthquake-Resilient Paciic 6-8 November 2015, Sydney,
Australia.
[6] Lam, N.T.K. (2015). Earthquake Environment Surrounding Different parts of Malaysia. Lecture notes on How to utilise our proposed EC8 Malaysia NA for our
practising consulting engineers, IEM professional short course, 29 – 30 September 2015, Armada Hotel Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
[7] Looi, D.T.W., Hee, M.C., Tsang, H.H., Lam, N.T.K. (2014). Updated Design Spectrum for Peninsular Malaysia.Proceedings of presentation at 2-day workshop on
recommended earthquake loading model in the propose NA to EC8 for Sabah, Sarawak & updated model for Peninsular Malaysia, 16 – 17 July 2014, Armada Hotel
Petaling Jaya, Malaysia.
[8] MIDAS (2015). MidasGen Seismic Design for Reinforced Concrete Building Tutorial. MIDAS Information Technology Co., Ltd, Korea.
[9] MIDAS (2014). Midas DShopBasic Tutorial Reinforced Concrete Structure. MIDAS Information Technology Co., Ltd, Korea.
[10] Tsang, H.H., Lam, N.T.K., Looi, D.T.W., Wilson, J.L., Hee, M.C. (2016). “Site Classiication and Response Spectrum Model for Soil Sites” JURUTERA (the monthly
bulletin of the Institution of Engineers, Malaysia). January Issue.
AUTHORS' BIODATA
Ir. Adjunct Prof. M C Hee is a practicing Structural Engr. Looi Ting Wee Grad. IEM, is a PhD candidate
Consulting Engineer and Principal of M C Hee in University of Hong Kong under supervision of
& Associates. His expertise is in the design and Assc. Prof. Ray Su, researching on earthquake
construction of high-rise buildings particularly in and structural engineering. Prior to postgraduate
value engineering and alternative design. His study, he worked as a structural application
philosophy is "design for simplicity and buildability'' engineer serving both high-rise building and plant
with a "total concept approach". He has over 40 years industry. Around 5 years of experience, he has done
of experience in this ield. He was a Vice President numerous demonstration, training and professional
of IEM and the chairman of IEM C&S WG1 for Malaysia EC8 earthquake consultancy to various companies in South East Asia, Australia, New
code annex drafting. He is an Adjunct Professor in Civil Engineering at the Zealand, India and the Middle East. He is actively involved in IEM C&S
Department of Civil Engineering, University Malaya. WGl for Malaysia EC8 earthquake code annex drafting
Prof. Nelson Lam, Reader in Civil Engineering at Dr Tsang Hing Ho, is a Senior Lecturer Faculty of
The University of Melbourne, is an internationally Science, Engineering and Technology School of
recognized expert in earthquake engineering and Engineering, Swinburne University of Technology,
structural dynamics. In the past 20 years, he has Australia. He has taught at The University of
been researching and consulting widely in this ield. Hong Kong, and is currently a visiting professor
He served as member of the sub-committee for at Karlsruhe Institute of Technology, Germany. He
developing the new standard for Earthquake Actions has published over 80 technical publications. He
in Australia and wasco-editor and co-author of the is currently serving as an Advisor for the Hong
standard’s commentary. His early career was with Scott Wilson International Kong Housing Authority on seismic design of building structures.
as structural engineer in their Hong Kong Ofice through out the 1980’s and
attained chartered engineer status in 1986.
Ir. Lim Ek Peng is a practicing engineer with Engr. Ahmed Zuhal Zaeem Grad. IEM, is pursuing
Perunding Hashim & NEH Sdn. Bhd. He has his post graduate studies on earthquake and
extensive experience in civil and structural structural engineering in Universiti Malaya.
engineering design and construction. He was a Concurrently working for M C Hee & Associates
member of technical committees of (IEM-SWO) for gaining experience in structural engineering. He is
Standards in Design of Concrete Structures. actively involved in IEM C&S WGl for Malaysia EC8
earthquake code annex drafting.
Prof. John Wilson, is Executive Dean of Engineering and Industrial Sciences at Swinburne University of Technology in
Melbourne. He was the Victorian Division Chairman of Engineers Australia in 2002, and is a member of the steering committee
for the Victorian Infrastructure Report Card 2005 and 2010, Chairman of BD6/11, the committee responsible for the earthquake
loading standard for Australia, a member of ACI307 Committee and Chairman of Judges for the 2011 and 2013 Victorian
Engineering Excellence Awards.
Editor’s Note: We welcome contributions from all members on travel stories. January 2016 JURUTERA 45
TEMUDUGA PROFESIONAL
KEJURUTERAAN MARIN
MOHD FAZLI BIN MOHD YUSOF BE HONS (UTM) (MECHANICAL - MARINE TECHNOLOGY,
IEM DIARY OF EVENTS
2007)
KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRONIK Kindly note that the scheduled events below are subject
16394 JA'AFAR SIDEK BIN BUDIN BE HONS (UTM) (ELECTRICAL, 2012) to change. Please visit the IEM website at www.myiem.
33913 NOOR ZAIHAH BINTI JAMAL BE HONS (USM) (ELECTRONIC, 2005)
org.my for more information on the upcoming events.
79323 RUZITA BINTI ABU BAKAR BSc (INDIANA) (ELECTRICAL, 1989)
MSc (UPM) (COMPUTER & COMMUNICATION
SYSTEMS, 2001)
79014 TAN YEE LIANG, B.E.HONS.(UITM) 79109 MOHAMAD ARIF B.E.HONS.(UITM) Note: Remaining list would be published in the February
WILLIAM (ELECTRICAL, 2015) AFNAN BIN YAHYA (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 2016 issue. For the list of approved “ADMISSION TO
78416 TAY ENG CHONG B.E.HONS.(MONASH) 79105 MOHAMAD AZIZAN B.E.HONS.(UITM) THE GRADE OF STUDENT”, please refer to IEM web
(ELECTRICAL, 2013) BIN MOHAMAD SAID (ELECTRONIC, 2015) portal at http://www.myiem.org.my.
78861 TUAN NUR LIYANA B.E.HONS.(UNITEN) 79143 MOHAMAD FAISAL B.E.HONS.(UITM)
BINTI RAJA HASSAN (ELECTRICAL POWER, BIN AZLAN (ELECTRONIC, 2015)
2012)
79088 WAN HUZAIRI BIN B.E.HONS.(UITM)
WAN HUSSIN (ELECTRICAL, 2015)
79096 WAN NURFAZWINA B.E.HONS.(UITM)
BINTI MAT SOTI (ELECTRICAL, 2015)
Pengumuman
78453 WAN ZUHARI BIN B.E.HONS.(UTM) yang ke-87
WAN ISMAIL (ELECTRICAL, 2001)
79296 YEE HAN MIN, B.E.HONS.(UMS)
STEPHEN (ELECTRICAL &
ELECTRONICS, 2011) SENARAI PENDERMA KEPADA WISMA DANA BANGUNAN IEM
79074 ZAIDI FAIQ BIN MOHD B.E.HONS.(UITM)
NOH (ELECTRICAL, 2015) Institusi mengucapkan terima kasih kepada semua yang telah
79093 ZULKIFLI BIN MOHD B.E.HONS.(CURTIN)
SALLEHAN (ELECTRONIC & memberikan sumbangan kepada tabung Bangunan Wisma IEM.
COMMUNICATION, 2009)
Ahli-ahli IEM dan pembaca yang ingin memberikan sumbangan
KEJURUTERAAN ELEKTRONIK boleh berbuat demikian dengan memuat turun borang di laman
79066 ADAM BIN HAIRUL B.E.HONS.(IIUM) web IEM http://www.iem.org.my atau menghubungi secretariat
ERWAN (COMMUNICATION, 2012)
79160 AHMAD MUHAYMIN B.E.HONS.(MELBOURNE) di +603-7968 4001/5518 untuk maklumat lanjut. Senarai penyumbang
BIN NISAR AHMAD (ELECTRICAL, 2012)
SALIMI
untuk bulan November 2015 adalah seperti jadual di bawah:
79148 AHMAD SHAZWAN B.E.HONS.(MMU)
BIN AHMAD SUHAIMI (ELECTRONICS- NO. NO. AHLI NAMA
ROBOTICS &
AUTOMATION, 2008)
1 15680 AHMAD HUSAIRI BIN ABDULLAH
79111 ARIFFIN NARWES BIN B.E.HONS.(UTM)
MUHAMMAD JUHIN (ELECTRICAL-
INSTRUMENTATION & 2 26586 CHEE JEN YIH
CONTROL, 2011)
79121 AZZIZATUL HUDA B.SC.(UTM)(ELECTRICAL, 3 58691 CHIA WAN HOONG
SABANI 1999)
79009 CHANG TZIN, B.SC.(UTM)(ELECTRICAL, 4 54569 CHRISTOPHER ANAK KAYAD
RAYMOND 2002)
79065 CHE NORZAKIMAN B.E.HONS.(UITM) 5 42457 FADHLI BIN ABDULLAH
BIN CHE AHMAD (ELECTRONIC, 2015)
78897 CHEW HOO BENG B.E.HONS.(UTAR) 6 07524 LEE PAK CHOONG
(ELECTRONIC
&COMMUNICATION, 2012) 7 70558 LEE YEN EU
78459 DR. LAW KAH HAW M.E.HONS.
(NOTTINGHAM) 8 44712 LU TSUI MING
(ELECTRICAL &
ELECTRONIC, 2010) 9 58487 NAZURA ZAILAH BT. HAJI ZAINORIN
P.HD.(NOTTINGHAM)
(2015)
10 15859 NG LIN HONG @ PAUL NG
79154 FAIDHI AMIN BIN B.E.HONS.(UITM)
MOHD NAZARNA (ELECTRONIC, 2015)
11 65845 NUR HAFIZAH ZAINUDIN
79149 FELIX CEILOMOND B.E.HONS.(UITM)
ANAK SAMAM (ELECTRONIC, 2015)
12 61194 ONG KIN BEING
79064 HABIB BIN SHAWAL B.E.HONS.(UITM)
(ELECTRONIC, 2015)
13 27992 PATRICK TUIN
79142 HAFIDZ BIN AZMI B.E.HONS.(UITM)
(ELECTRONIC, 2015)
14 14979 RAYMON MANGALARAJ
78450 HERMAN BIN ABU B.E.HONS.(UTM)
SAINI (ELECTRICAL-MEDICAL
ELECTRONICS, 2001) 15 45374 SHARUL A-RASHID
79144 ISMAIL BIN IBRAHIM B.E.HONS.(UITM)
EDHAM (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 16 24713 SHIA SIN SAN
79061 IZAIDI BIN WAN B.E.HONS.(UITM)
IBRAHIM (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 17 71592 SITI NOORJANNAH BT IBRAHIM
79136 IZHAM KHAIRULFATHI B.E.HONS.(UITM)
BIN BAHRO (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 18 07366 TAI KIM FUI
79038 LAI SUN YUENN B.E.HONS.(UITM)
(ELECTRONIC, 2015) 19 44025 TAN SOON HAW
79058 MD BAHARIN SABRI B.E.HONS.(UITM)
BIN NASIR (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 20 65885 WAN NOR ADMATIZA BT. SUHAIMI
79104 MIZY SHAMIRUL BIN B.E.HONS.(UITM)
MASRULHISHAM (ELECTRONIC, 2015) 21 55821 ZYKAMILIA BINTI KAMIN