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Proceedings of the International Conference on
Advances and New Challenges in Earthquake
Engineering Research, Hong Kong Volume
EDUCATIONAL AND CODE REQUIREMENTS
FOR SEISMIC DESIGN IN HONG KONG
Gordon Williams
WSP Hong Kong Ltd.,
Hong Kong
ABSTRACT
In a number of infra-plate seismic regions of the world, authorities are considering the need to
introduce seismic design into their structural codes where previously there was none. One of the major
challenges for educators will be to ensure that the local practising structural engineers are well
prepared for the more challenging conceptual and detailed design requirements of seismic design.
This paper provides the author's thoughts on the educational requirements of designers who will need
to be introduced to seismic design and also ideas on the type of code needed by designers in low to
moderate risk seismic regions.
The complexities of earthquake design for inexperienced designers in key areas such as, risk, loads,
site factors, peak ground acceleration, response spectra, structural form and reinforcement detailing are
discussed and some recommendations made.
In the section on response spectra, a comparison of seismic loads using the latest spectrum response
values from China, USA, and Europe indicate the significant variability with both previous versions of
codes and each other.
INTRODUCTION
Designer's needs
Structural designers are frequently required to cope with new or changing codes during their
professional life. Although they are well able to understand the changes, the demands of time and
economics usually mean that new codes take a long time to be accepted. Acceptance is improved when
modified or new codes are logically presented, clearly explained and do not involve too many different
factors or load cases to be considered for routine calculations. The requirement for clear unambiguous
codes is even more necessary now than in the past since clients are increasingly demanding reduced
design periods.
Brief History of Seismic design in intra-plate areas
Before the 1970's it was uncommon for building structures in intra-plate areas to be designed for
earthquakes, however seismic design is already required in many urban areas and a number of cities