Alternative approach in Partial Capacity Design (PCD) by using predicted post-elastic story shear distribution

The Capacity Design Method is an approach widely used to design earthquake
resistant structures. It allows the structures to dissipate earthquake energy by forming plastic
hinges through beam side sway mechanism. In the design process, the columns need to be
designed stronger than the beams connected to them. Several previous studies have been
conducted to propose alternative method allowing partial side sway mechanism namely the
Partial Capacity Design (PCD) Method. In this method, selected columns are designed to
remain elastic and the plastic hinges are allowed to occur only at the columns base. These
columns are designed to resist increased forces. Despite of some successful attempts, PCD
method still needs to be developed because sometimes the intended mechanism was not
observed. This study proposes a new approach to improve the Partial Capacity Design (PCD)
method. Symmetrical 6 and 10 story buildings with 7 bays are analyzed using seismic load for
city of Surabaya. Structure behavior under non-linear static analysis is well predicted by this
approach. However, under non-linear dynamic analysis, a few unexpected plastic hinges of
elastic columns were observed at upper stories. But it should be noted that the earthquake used
for performance analysis (maximum considered earthquake) is 50% larger than the one used
for design (earthquake level corresponding to elastic design response spectrum).