12/10/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

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How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS

Posted on August 17, 2017March 21, 2018 by Engr Dennis Mercado

For this post, let us assume first the following to be true:

1. We know the reason why we are checking drift (excluding the fact that it is required by all
relevant codes)
2. We have basic background regarding Pdelta moments
3. We know how to compute static base shear based on the code and understand at least the basics
on the dynamic forces our building is subjected into
4. We know what’s seismic mass

Checked all of the above? Cool.

Now let’s say the model is complete: we have applied all related gravity loads, defined seismic
parameters well, and we’re now able to set up all relevant load combinations
(h ps://dennismercadosstructuralengineersblog.wordpress.com/2017/12/12/load-combinations-for-
seismic-drift-check/).

Before we proceed, we need to apply first the correct property modifiers as per code. A quick
explanation of this is that before being subjected to seismic forces, under gravity loads, the beams,
columns and walls will experience cracking. And cracking will reduce the moments of inertia of the
members.

So which property modifiers are we going to apply in the model?

Based on ACI 8.8.2 we need to consider either/or of the following: section properties defined in
section 10.10.4.1(a) through (c) or half of stiffness values based on gross section properties,

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Screen grab from ACI318M-11

The code permits to use either one of 8.8.2 (a) or 8.8.2 (b). If you’re to ask me, it never hurts to check
both conditions considering that at least you have prior knowledge to the behavior of the 2 different
models with different reduced stiffnesses which is very valuable when making a decision when
evaluating the current structural system’s performance during seismic activity. By experience
however, the resulting drift from either is never far from the other but it is worth checking and noting
the difference.

tabulated by yours truly

Also, if you have some torsional irregularities, you will need to se le them now and provide the
adjusted eccentricities prior to checking the drift. Remember that the larger the eccentricity, the larger
the forces on the extremities which subsequently increases the drift.

So both models ready now?

Let’s use UBC97 which is still applicable to a lot of projects even in the middle east.

The elastic deformation that UBC 1630.9.1 refers to as “Delta s” is the elastic horizontal displacement
caused by the seismic shear and when checking drift, this should include the effects of gravity loads.
By the way, use the ultimate load combinations when determining drift.

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Screen grab from UBC97

But of course we need to convert this elastic horizontal displacement to the maximum inelastic
response displacement defined as Delta m before we compare it with the allowable values of either
0.025 or 0.02 times the story height depending on the fundamental period.

And since we’re talking about drift, note that drift is a unitless quantity taken from dividing the
relative displacement of a certain story with the story below to the storey height.

Still with me? Great.

The good news is, ETABS will compute these displacements for us including the drift which we can
just extract from the tables. The computed drifts will include both drifts in the orthogonal axes X and
Y. You just need to go the tables and find the Story Drift data and open it with Excel.

We just need to add a few items to the extracted table to arrive at the correct values in order to
interpret the results correctly. Don’t worry though, I will try my best to discuss the table below:

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12/10/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

Screen grabbed based on the outputs of an actual project of mine.

1. Columns A-H are what you will get from ETABS.

2. Column A is the story level where the drift occurs.
3. Column B is the load combination. Be sure to choose the correct load combinations.
4. Drifts will be resolved in the 2 principal directions in ETABS which are the global X and Y in
column C.
5. Column D is the resulting drift which is the Delta s defined above.
6. Columns E to H are the point label and the point coordinates where we can locate the
aforementioned drifts.
7. Column I is optional. Column I is just the same as Column D.
8. Column J is the maximum inelastic response displacement or the Delta M which in UBC is
0.7*R*Delta M, R is the “numerical coefficient of the inherent overstrength and global ductility
capacity of lateral-force-resisting systems” and is 5.5 in our case (Building frame system with
concrete shear walls)
9. Column K is the allowable limit of drift. Since our period is less than 0.7 sec, the maximum
allowable is 0.025
10. Column L is also optional. This just compares the results of column J and column K. But this is
helpful in filtering the floors where the drift failed.

Quite easy right? Don’t worry if you are not yet confident of the results. That’s what more senior
engineers are for, which is to make sure that the model makes sense. But since you now know how to
compute the drift yourself, you are on your way to seniorhood so just keep at it.

Also if you want an Excel copy of the table above, you can get it here Drift Computation
(h ps://dennismercadosstructuralengineersblog.files.wordpress.com/2017/08/drift-computation.xlsx)
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Tagged checking drift in ETABS, drift, drift in ETABS, seismic drift

Published by Engr Dennis Mercado

A structural engineer in the central business district with his mouth mostly shut but has his eyes wide
open. Prefers a quiet asylum. Structural engineer during the weekdays, zen warrior and baby si er
during the weekend and a heavy metal rocker in between.
View all posts by Engr Dennis Mercado

14 thoughts on “How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS”

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12/10/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

1. Pingback: How to Check Wind Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog
2.
RC says:
March 21, 2018 at 4:28 am
Hi Dennis,

I have just started reading through all of your blogs and I appreciate you sharing your knowledge.
I must say that it is great to learn from others’ experiences.

I would just like to point out a typographical error in the table above: “Property Modifiers for
Drifts from Service Lateral Loads as per ACI”. I understand that what you mean is factored lateral
loads, but just to avoid confusion.

Another one. Just like to confirm if you are using a different set of ultimate load combinations
when computing drift than the one for strength design. Are you also using the seismic (drift) load
pa ern in ETABS?

Thanks!

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
March 21, 2018 at 7:27 am
hi RC,

I appreciate that you pointed that one to me. I already reworded the title of the table so thanks
again.

And to answer your query, no we’re not using different load combinations aside from those
used for design to check the drift. However,

1. we change the design base shear IF (just let me emphasize) WE ENCOUNTER PROBLEMS
WHEN EVALUATING THE COMPUTED DRIFT WITH THE LIMITATIONS IMPOSED TO
THE BUILDING PERIOD (per Method B of 1630.2.2). On such occasions, we impose the
provisions of 1630.10.3 to “force” the software to use the computed period based on its
dynamic properties; and

2. we use the rho factor or the reliability/redundancy factor = 1.0 when evaluating drift. and
unless we are in zones 3 and 4, the design load combos are the same with what we use for
drift.

I am not sure what you mean with the seismic (drift) load pa ern in ETABS, can you please
elaborate?

Thanks for dropping by!

3. Reply
RC says:
March 21, 2018 at 8:42 am
Hi Dennis,

The seismic (drift) load pa ern in ETABS is an automatic seismic load generator similar to the
seismic load pa ern that we are using for design. From what I understand, based on Section 2.2.1
of ETABS Lateral Loads Manual, the seismic (drift) load pa ern automatically does ITEM 1 of

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12/10/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

your post above. Its period computation overrides Method B of 1630.2.2 and forces the software to
use the computed period based on its dynamic properties. Let me know if you think otherwise.

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
March 22, 2018 at 12:07 am
RC,

We don’t use that option. And perhaps the reason why this option was not endorsed to us yet
is to minimize software dependency in evaluating the required period inputs and read the
code instead, and also to avert the possibility of using the seismic drift load pa ern for design.

Although, I think this option is great when cross-checking the period used. There is always a
risk but it may be worth checking.

Again, thanks for your comments!

4. Reply
Cocoy Bustamante says:
August 12, 2018 at 1:35 pm
Dear Sir Dennis,

what to do if drift limits are exceeded.?

i am using SMRF but the structure’s building plan is fairly irregular
ive use both static and dynamic loadings

Cocoy.

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
August 12, 2018 at 10:59 pm
Hi Cocoy,

Tough luck I’d say.

But before you go to the grand scheme of changing your LFRS, a few questions:

1. what is the rho factor that you used? make sure that it is unity
2. have you applied the limitations set by 1630.10.3 of UBC97? ASCE has a similar provision
3. are your seismic base reactions balanced?
4. a lot more if the above doesn’t solve your drift problems…

Now just in case you’re ge ing me wrong, these are routine checks, more like a checklist if you
wish to call it that way.

Let me know if you’re still having issues.

Cheers,

Dennis

5. Reply
Eng MD says:
September 18, 2018 at 8:55 am
Hi Dennis,
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12/10/2018 How to Check Seismic Drift In ETABS – Dennis Mercado's Structural Engineer's Blog

For drift checking purpose, you use 0.7 modifiers for walls even if they are cracked, then use 0.35
for design.
Kindly confirm

Mazen

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
September 19, 2018 at 4:14 am
Hi Mazen,

Not so sure about that. Because what we do, is to first set the property modifiers as per initial
requirements by code. Then we proceed with checking the initial drift using the said property
modifiers, and use the corresponding period to check the design and determine which walls
cracked.

After determining which walls cracked, you should go back to the original model, crack the
“cracked” walls, get the resulting period and so forth and so on. It’s an iterative process
actually.

So maybe yes you can do what you said initially, but you need to check in the end that the
period corresponding to the geometry with cracked and uncracked walls, correspond to the
design.

Thanks.

Reply
1.
Eng MD says:
September 19, 2018 at 1:00 pm
Thank you Dennis. I agree with you it is an iterative process.
However, it is helpful to consider USB-97:1630.10.3 where we can calculate the drift based
on the fundamental period.

6. Reply
adb0t says:
October 11, 2018 at 2:00 am
Hi Dennis,

May I know if you have an idea on how to change the rho factor to unity if you are using a latest
version of ETABS, say 2013 and up?

Thank you.

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
October 11, 2018 at 5:00 am
Hi adbOt,

The rho factor should be changed in the load combination that you provided. It is not
something that you input in any dialogue box in ETABS.

Thanks for pitching in your comments.

Cheers!

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Reply
1.
adb0t says:
October 29, 2018 at 3:54 pm
So the rho factor that you will change is the one in the equation in seismic, the Horzontal
Seismic Load Effect, Eh. Thank you for this.

In previous version on ETABS (9.7) there is a dialogue box (I think it is called “Special
Seismic Load Effect”; I cannot remember the complete name and it was removed in the
la er versions of ETABS) in which you can input the rho factor.

Reply
1.
Engr Dennis Mercado says:
October 29, 2018 at 10:59 pm
I agree to that adb0t regarding the older version of ETABS. While a lot of items are
already automated such as load combinations, many engineers still opt to defining it the
old school way, me included.

Cheers

Reply

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