Post-processing of seismic action effects

Overview

Computer analysis is frequently used in structural engineering to predict the effects of actions such as wind and earthquake. The analysis can be divided into three distinct phases: pre-processing (model building), solution, and post-processing. Practitioners usually give most thought to the first phase (pre-processing). The wide availability of software ensures that the second phase (solution) is largely automated. The third phase (post-processing) is often perceived to be easy. All the relevant results are now available, and so, it is assumed, post-processing is merely a matter of presenting those results. However, this assumption is facile when it comes to seismic analysis. The post-processing of seismic action effects can be challenging, and it remains an area that is associated with misunderstandings and pitfalls.

In this lecture, the current Chair of SECED, Andreas Nielsen, will draw on his 20 years of experience and present an overview of post-processing. He will survey current methods outlined in Eurocode 8 and ASCE 4 and discuss more sophisticated methods, which have been deployed recently in the UK nuclear new build sector. Finally, he will identify some unresolved problems that deserve greater attention.

Tea and coffee will be served from 17.30–18.00.