Evaluation of Code-Accidental Torsion Provisions Using Earthquake Records From Three Nominally Symmetric-Plan Buildings

by J.C. De la Llera and A.K. Chopra

De la Llera, J.C., and A.K. Chopra (1992). Evaluation of Code-Accidental Torsion Provisions Using Earthquake Records From Three Nominally Symmetric-Plan Buildings. SMIP92 Seminar on Seismological and Engineering Implications of Recent Strong-Motion Data, p. 4-1 - 4-16.

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Abstract

A procedure is presented for evaluating building code provisions for accidental torsion from analysis of recorded motions of nominally symmetric-plan buildings during earthquakes. This procedure is utilized to analyze the motions of three buildings recorded during recent California earthquakes. The results demonstrate that the accidental torsion specified by the Uniform Building Code is adequate in representing the torsion in the recorded motions of these three buildings. It is also concluded, although somewhat speculatively, that accidental torsion need not be considered in the design of many buildings.