RC walls in Australia: seismic design and detailing to AS 1170.4 and AS 3600

Abstract

This paper reviews the current seismic design procedures for reinforced concrete buildings in Australia, with direct reference to the Australian earthquake loading code, AS 1170.4 and Australian concrete structures standard, AS 3600. The paper aims to clarify seismic design procedures to practising structural engineers and undergraduate students in Australia, whom have had little exposure to seismic design given the lower seismic nature of Australia. The paper begins with a brief history of seismic design in Australia, followed by an overview and discussion of the seismic performance objectives required by the National Construction Code (i.e. Building Code of Australia). Following, a compreh..