Earthquake Engineering

1. EARTHQUAKE
ENGINEERING

2. LEARNING OUTCOMES
Learn and define what Earthquake Engineering is
Learn about the different Earthquake
Engineering structures
Learn about the responsibilities of an Earthquake
Engineer
Learn about the history behind Earthquake
Engineering
Learn the different departments affiliated in
Earthquake Engineering here in the Philippines

3. Earthquake Engineering
Is the study of a multi-phased process, from finding the earthquake source to portraying the side effects and
structural response, concluding the seismic protection measures. and reducing the risk especially in high-
seismic places
Gathers data by looking at previous earthquakes and discovering which structures are resistant to vibrations.
These engineers seek to create structures that will not collapse during moderate earthquakes, preventing
damage and decreasing the possibility of casualties among citizens.
Abilities and skills
Properly understand how buildings and structures can stand up to earthquakes by conducting an
extensive research on earthquakes.
Ensures proper design of buildings so they will resist damage due to earthquakes, but at the same time
not be unnecessarily expensive.
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Prior the term “earthquake engineering”, it was referred before as “engineering seismology”.

4. Earthquake Engineering
Responsiilities
Using technologies and computer software like SAP2000 and ETABS to design and analyze infrastructure
and buildings to make sure they are secure and fulfill the necessary standards.
Evaluating the performance of structures under seismic loading and developing design and analysis
methods for earthquake-resistant structures.
Estimating the likelihood and potential effects of earthquakes on structures and infrastructure using
methods like probabilistic seismic hazard analysis and ground motion prediction equations.
Reviewing and approving infrastructure and structure design plans to make sure they meet to the
necessary standards and codes.
Conducting research in the area of seismic engineering, and using the results of such study to progress and
develop the field.
Design, construct and maintain structures to perform at earthquakes exposure up to the expectations and
in compliance with building codes.
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5. History of Earthquake Engineering
1755: Lisbon earthquake in Portugal, measured between magnitude 8.5 and 9.0 on the Richter scale
The destruction caused by the quake led to increased interest in understanding how buildings and structures
could be designed to withstand seismic activity.
1908: Messina-Reggio earthquake in Italy, magnitude 7.1 on the moment magnitude scale
Led to the establishment of the Geological Committee and Engineering Committee in early 1909 to study the
disaster and recommend earthquake disaster mitigation measures. These committee had proposed the first
known quantitative recommendation of design seismic forces in the history of seismic codes.
SEISMIC CODES
Also known as earthquake codes, these are building codes designed to protect property and life in buildings in
case of earthquakes.
These codes were based from the knowledge gained from recent earthquakes and research findings, and as
such they are constantly evolving. These were created and developed as a response to major earthquakes
which caused wreckage and deaths.

6. History of Earthquake Engineering
1923: Great Kantō earthquake in Japan, magnitude 7.9 on the moment magnitude scale
Inspired the Japanese engineer, Toshikata Sano develop a lateral force procedure that was officially
implemented in the 1924 Japanese Urban Building Law, which directed engineers to design buildings for
horizontal forces of about 10% of the weight of the building.
January 1928: The publication of the first edition of the Uniform Building Code (UBC)
Inspired by Japan's newly developed seismic code, new provisions such as recommendation of a minimum
lateral design force for earthquake resistance for buildings on foundations and also the building weight or
seismic mass.
1933: The Long Beach earthquake in California, which measured 6.4 on the Richter scale
Formed the basis for much of the California seismic legislation, Field Act for schools and Riley Act for all
buildings.
1949: The Earthquake Engineering Research Institute (EERI)
An international, nonprofit, professional association comprised of more than 2,500 engineers, geoscientists,
building officials, architects, planners, social scientists, and others actively working in the earthquake hazard
reduction field.

7. History of Earthquake Engineering
John A. Blume
Source of Image:
https://quake06.stanford.edu/centennial/tour/sto
p9.html#:~:text=Professor%20Lydik%20S.,
(See%20Jacobsen's%20Pioneering%20Research).
Regarded as the Father of Earthquake
Engineering, He has made singular
contributions to our understanding of
structural dynamics, earthquake effects
on buildings, and strong ground
motions, and he has had a major
influence on the development of seismic
design procedures and building code
provisions.
Professor Lydik S. Jacobsen
Source of Image:
https://exhibits.stanford.edu/shpc/browse/biogra
phical-photographs?page=6&view=slideshow.
He designed and built the world's first multi-story
dynamic building model for shaking table
experiments. He was also John lume's professor at
Standford University.

8. History of Earthquake Engineering
Source of Image:
https://quake06.stanford.edu/centennial/tour/sto
p9.html#:~:text=Professor%20Lydik%20S.,
(See%20Jacobsen's%20Pioneering%20Research).
Source of Image:
https://blume.stanford.edu/history-earthquake-
engineering-stanford-university-and-founding-
blume-center/history-earthquake
In 1934, Dr. Blume
constructed the second and
most exotic multi-story
dynamic building model. It
was built to simulate the
motion of the existing multi-
story Alexander Building in
San Francisco. This model was
heavily based on Professor
Jacobsen's previous model.
This instrument however was considered as the first field instrument for strong
shaking of structures and investigated the performance of several buildings.
They constructed the second and most exotic multi-story dynamic building
model of its time.

9. Earthquake Proofing
• The building is made up of flexible supports that isolate the
foundation from the ground.
• As soon as an earthquake strikes, only the base moves, while the
structure remains stable.
Flexible Foundation
Counter Forces with Damping
➢ Vibrational Control Devices
Pistons and oil are used to convert the
motion into heat and absorb shocks in
the tuned dampers attached to the
beams.
Source of Image:
https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/earthquake-proof-buildings
Source of Image:
https://www.toda.co.jp/english/technology/vibration.php

10. Earthquake Proofing
• Shear walls and cross braces counteract pressure and push force.
• Horizontal frames distribute forces to the columns and walls.
Reinforce the Building’s Structure
The weight and the hydraulics move against the movements of the
earthquake, either reducing or eliminating energy.
➢ Pendulum Power

11. Earthquake Resistant Structures
PHILIPPINE ARENA
Source of Image:
https://populous.com/project/philippine-arena.
The Philippine Arena is the world's largest domed
arena and is an amazing earthquake-proof
structure. It is owned by the Christian group
Inglesia Ni Cristo (INC) which commissioned this
55,000 seating capacity arena for their 100th
anniversary on July 27, 2014.
I's vast stadium roof, spanning 170m, was
engineered to withstand severe transient loadings
such as earthquakes, winds, and typhoons. During
an earthquake, the lateral loads that generate
throughout the structure can reach up to 40% of
its mass.
The gap between the main structure and base foundation system is composed of lead rubber bearings (LRB) which
are a flexible arrangement of materials with high energy dissipation properties. This allows the base and foundation
system to freely move with the force of the earthquake, while the top structure remains stationary. This is truly an
amazing earthquake engineering feat!

12. Earthquake Resistant Structures
University of Santo Tomas
Main Building
Source of Image:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/University_of_Santo_T
omas_Main_Building
Reportedly the first earthquake-resistant building
in the Philippines. It endured four major earth-
quakes in the last seven decades: 1937, 1968, 1970,
and 1990
Designed in 1923 by Fr. Roque Ruaño, a renowned
engineer who went to Japan to study earthquake-
resistant structures. It was formally was
inaugurated on Nov. 12, 1927.
The Main Bldg. incorporates a seismic design and
adopted the engineering standards of Japan which
makes it earthquake-proof. Moreover, the building is
divided into 40 units with four or six piers strongly
tied together, with seismic gaps of an inch filled
with loose cement, to accommodate any movement
in case of earthquakes

13. Earthquake Resistant Structures
Sabiha Gökçen International Airport
Source of Image:
https://www.passengerterminaltoday.com/news/w
ayfinding/passenger-flow-management-system-
installed-at-istanbul-sabiha-gokcen-airport.html
The design of this Airport uses 300 isolators that
reduce lateral earthquake loads by 80%, enabling it to
withstand an earthquake of 7.5-8.0 on the Richter
scale.
Located on the Pendik, Istanbul, Turkey near the
North Anatolian Fault.
The design has been tested under 14 different
scenarios of earthquakes in order to ensure that
it is able to withstand such an earthquake. It has
taken 18 months for the project to be designed
and implemented.
The triple friction pendulum is one of the major features of the
airport, and the earthquake induced displacements occur primarily
in the bearings, so the lateral loads and movements transmitted to
the structure are greatly reduced, which makes the structure
earthquake resistant.

14. Earthquake Resistant Structures
The Transamerica Pyramid
Source of Image:
https://www.costar.com/article/159513737/san-
franciscos-iconic-transamerica-pyramid-building-
being-sold-for-700-million
It withstands 6.9 magnitude caused by Loma Prieta Earthquake in1989. The top story of the structure sway by
almost one foot (30cm) from side to side for more than a minute but the building is undamaged.
Is an iconic 1970s structure located in the Californian city of San Francisco. It is beside the San Andreas and Hayward
Faults.
The achievement of the ability to resist earthquakes by 52 feet
deep, reinforced steel and solid foundations designed for
movement with earthquake loadings can be credited to this. A
unique truss system above the first level supports vertical and
horizontal loads, with interior frames extending to the 45th
floor. The building is resistant to torsional movements, thanks
to the complicated combination of these structural systems
that allows it to take up large amounts of horizontal base shear
forces
The design has been tested under 14 different scenarios of
earthquakes in order to ensure that it is able to withstand such
an earthquake. It has taken 18 months for the project to be
designed and implemented.

15. Earthquake Resistant Structures
Taipei 101
Source of Image: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2014/08/the-728-ton-tuned-mass-
damper-of-taipei.html
Located in Xinyi District, Taipei City, Taiwan.
Taipei 101 houses the biggest tuned mass damper (TMD)
in the world. In order to decrease the sway of that super
tall tower, it's a huge metal ball counteracts major shifts
such as wind and earthquakes.
The TMD moves in the
opposite direction
when large forces
exert themselves on
the tower, and by
fending off transient
forces using a ball's
mass, it stabilises the
entire structure.
Work started in 1999 and was completed in 2004.
Source of Image: https://www.tripsavvy.com/taipei-101-
tower-facts-1458242
Source of Image: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Damper-in-Taipei-101-building_fig1_323577584

16. Earthquake Resistant Structures
The Burj Khalifa
Source of Image:
https://www.klook.com/en-PH/activity/2228-burj-
khalifa-observation-deck-dubai/
Located in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.
It consists of a mechanical floor structure,
whereby outrigger walls connect the
perimeter columns to the interior wall. This
allows for the lateral resistance of the
structure to be supported by the perimeter
columns. Furthermore, the horizontality of
columns helps to absorb gravitational waves.
Work started in January 2004 and completed
in October 2009.

17. Departments Affiliated to Earthquake Engineering
Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS)
(PHIVOLCS) is a service institute of the Department of Science and Technology
(DOST) that is principally mandated to mitigate disasters that may arise from volcanic
eruptions, earthquakes, tsunami and other related geotectonic phenomena.
Department of Public Works and Highways
The DPWH is responsible for the planning, design, construction, and maintenance of
national highways, major flood control systems, and other public works.
The DPWH LRFD Bridge Seismic Design Specifications (BSDS), 2013 edition, was issued
to provide guidance that will improve the seismic performance of bridges in the
Philippines.
Source of Image:
https://twitter.com/phivolcs_dost
Source of Image:
https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Department_of_Public_Work
s_and_Highways_%28DPWH%29.svg

18. REFERENCES
EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
Earthquake Engineering. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://simple.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_engineering
Scott, E. (2021). Earthquake Engineering - Study of Reducing Risk!. EssayCorp. Retrieved from:
https://www.essaycorp.com/blog/earthquake-engineering
Jing, J. (2021). What is earthquake engineering?. Available at:
https://www.tinoseismic.co.nz/articles/what-is-earthquake-engineering
ZipRecruiter Marketplace Research Team. What Is a Seismic Engineer and How to Become One?. ZipRecruiter.
Retrieved from: https://www.tinoseismic.co.nz/articles/what-is-earthquake-engineering
Earthquake Engineering. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Earthquake_engineering
Reitherman, R. (2008). International Aspects Of the History of Earthquake Engineering. Earthquake Engineering
Research Institute, EERI. Retrieved from: https://www.eeri.org/site/images/awards/reports/reithermanpart1.pdf
HISTORY OF EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING
Reitherman, R. (2012). Five Major Themes In the History of Earthquake Engineering. Indian Institute of Technology
Kanpur. Retrieved from: https://www.iitk.ac.in/nicee/wcee/article/WCEE2012_5750.pdf

19. REFERENCES
1755 Lisbon Earthquake. 2007 Schools Wikipedia, Wikipedia. Retrieved from:
https://www.cs.mcgill.ca/~rwest/wikispeedia/wpcd/wp/1/1755_Lisbon_earthquake.htm
Whitman, R. (2003). Earthquake Engineering. Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology (Third Edition).
ScienceDirect. Retrieved from: https://www.sciencedirect.com/topics/earth-and-planetary-sciences/earthquake-
engineering
Seismic Codes. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seismic_code
What is Earthquake Engineering? An Introduction to its Goals, Technologies, and Research. BrightHub Engineering.
Retrieved from: https://www.brighthubengineering.com/structural-engineering/41861-earthquake-engineering-
goals-technology-and-research-methods/#seismic-vibration-control-technologies
Academic Contributions: John A. Blume Earthquake Eengineering Center. Stanford University And The 1906
Earthquake: Centennial Commemoration. Retrieved from: https://quake06.stanford.edu/centennial/tour/stop9.
html#:~:text=Professor%20Lydik%20S.,(See%20Jacobsen's%20Pioneering%20Research).
The History of Earthquake Engineering at Stanford University and the Founding of the Blume Center. Stanford: Blume
Earthquake Engineering Center. Retrieved from: https://blume.stanford.edu/history-earthquake-engineering-
stanford-university-and-founding-blume-center/history-earthquake

20. REFERENCES
EARTHQUAKE PROOFING AND EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT STRUCTURES
How Earthquake-Proof Buildings Are Designed. Big Rentz. Retrieved from: https://www.bigrentz.com/blog/
earthquake-proof-buildings?fbclid=IwAR11Ul5k2PUAnCZu2gtvImx5jL8t5uUj7BYYzhJKGow4mZ7G2eXhqbpprzo
#:~:text=Shear%20walls%2C%20cross%20braces%2C%20diaphragms,keep%20its%20shape%20during%20
Dioticio, C., Gianan, C., & de Villa, K. (2018). Back to school. Inquirer.net. Retrieved from: https://business.inquirer.
net/253629/back-to-school/amp
McFadden, C. (2020). Top 5 Earthquake Resistant Structures Around the World. Interesting Engineering. Retrieved
John A. Blume, The Father of Earthquake Engineering. Stanford: Blume Earthquake Engineering Center. Retrieved from:
https://blume.stanford.edu/history-earthquake-engineering-stanford-university-and-founding-blume-
center/history-earthquake-0#:~:text=John%20Blume's%20Legacy&text=He%20has%20made%20singular%20
contributions,procedures%20and%20building%20code%20provisions.
movement
from: https://interestingengineering.com/culture/top-5-earthquake-resistant-structures-around-world
International airport terminal with superior earthquake safety features and completion. Arup. Retrieved from:
https://www.arup.com/projects/sabiha-gokcen-terminal?fbclid=IwAR0WIHG8KeveCBEeziG9D-Un1MRj-KinAEYx
QR6d-6qsxf9mV0N6Byax4jc

21. REFERENCES
DEPARTMENTS AFFILIATED TO EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING IN THE PHILIPPINES
About PHIVOLCS. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, PHIVOLCS. Retrieved from: .
https://www.phivolcs.dost.gov.ph/index.php/about-us/about-phivolcs
About DPWH. Department of Public Works and Highways, DPWH. Retrieved from:
Interesting Facts about the Burj Khalifa. Anil Blon. Retrieved from: https://anilblon.wordpress.com/2015/06/03/
interesting-facts-about-the-burj-khalifa/?fbclid=IwAR0i0y9QsJTI_1FkveY-sPkTr05dydbAdfuhoPSyo5rV-7NxR
Ge0aNIN-BU
https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/content/about-dpwh
DPWH Guide Specifications: LFRD Bridge Seismic Design Specifications (2018). Department of Public Works and
Highways, DPWH. Retrieved from: https://www.dpwh.gov.ph/dpwh/sites/default/files/Interim%20Revisions%
20for%20LRFD%20Bridge%20Seismic%20Design%20Specifications.pdf
Taipei 101. Wikipedia. Retrieved from: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Taipei_101?fbclid=IwAR25C5rD4GyF_8sQdSJvwa
kEr9Hol2FCCGogU62uo-4M-OIEDSBm-lb55s0