https://support.buildsoft.eu BuildSoft Support Thu, 09 Apr 2026 15:13:41 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=6.2.9 https://support.buildsoft.eu/knowledge-base/how-to-do-a-seismic-analysis/ Fri, 12 Jul 2019 13:44:22 +0000 http://buildsoftsupport.com/?post_type=ht_kb&p=4500

• A seismic analysis requires the license Seismic Analysis.
• The seismic analysis in Diamonds/ PowerFrame uses multi-modal-analysis. Other types of seismic analysis are not available with the BuildSoft software.

1. Enter the geometry of the structure as you would normally do.
   If your model contains multiple independent structures, make one Diamonds-file for each structure.
2. Load group and masses
   • Click on . Add a load group and select ‘Seismic’ from the list.
   • To calculate the response of the structure due to the seismic load, the modal parameters of the structure (eigen modes and -frequencies) must be calculated by Diamonds. These model parameters depend on the stiffness and mass distribution of the structure.
     • The stiffness is known by Diamonds. It is in the geometry of the structure.
     • The mass distibution is related to the vertical loads (point loads, line loads, surface loads) (0,981kN -> 100kg).
       The correlation coefficient φ multiplied by the combination factor Ψ₂ (for Eurocode and Eurocode-like standards) will determine the masses.
       For example: a life load of 5kN/m will lead to 5kN/m²  x  Ψ₂  x φ = 5kN/m  x  0,3  x 1 = 1,5kN/m of mass to be taken into account during the model analysis.
       
3. Define the seismic spectrum: select the load group Seismic from the pull down list and click on . Enter the desired parameters.
   Read here how to define a user defined seismic spectrum.
4. Generate the combinations . Don’t forget to check the ULS SC combinations.
5. Run the analysis .
   The content of the tab page ‘Dynamic’ is the same as for a model analysis.
   If your model contains non-linear behaviour, you’ll have to choose a reference combination (usually  ULS FC is taken).
6. Verify if the mass participation in each direction is at least 90% (source: EN 1998-1 §4.3.3.3.1 (3)). You can see the mass participation in the table “Modal information” (expressed in %).
   When you don’t reach 90%, you can either ask more eigen modes in the modal analysis (see Step 5 above) or check the option “Apply quasi static correction”. A combination of both is also possible.
   Note: if the seismic spectrum is only defined for the horizontal directions, the mass participation in the vertical Y-direction is irrelevant.
7. Run the reinforcement calculation , steel or timber design .
   Diamonds will take the seismic combinations ULS SC into account.
8. Verify the deformations.

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