Damage-reduction seismic design of structures: concept and applications

The background, design concept, optimization formulations, basic principles of damage-reduction seismic design of structures are discussed in detail in the present paper. It is pointed out that the concept of damage-reduction seismic design is proposed based on both the formulation of the minimum lifecycle cost design and the successful experiences in engineering practice. Some existing engineering designs and measures are the applied examples of damage-reduction design. When the engineers have to face to the structural design with high uncertain factors such as earthquake load, the damage-reduction design is a rational alternative method, which will help them to innovate the design. The damage-reduction design of the structures accords with the concept of performance-based seismic design, and can help to realize such a design.