The American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) recently released ASCE 41-23, an updated version of their standard for “Seismic Evaluation and Retrofit of Existing Buildings.” This standard is a cornerstone for engineers, architects, and other professionals involved in ensuring the safety and resilience of our built environment against earthquakes.

Why ASCE 41-23 Matters

Earthquakes pose a significant threat to communities worldwide. Many existing buildings were constructed before the implementation of modern seismic codes, leaving them vulnerable to damage or collapse during seismic events. ASCE 41-23 provides a framework for evaluating the seismic performance of these buildings and designing retrofit strategies to strengthen them.

Key Improvements and Features

• Three-Tiered Evaluation Process: This allows for a more flexible approach to evaluation, catering to different performance objectives and available resources.
• Performance-Based Approach: A shift towards achieving desired performance levels during seismic events, rather than strictly adhering to code compliance.
• Updated Analysis Procedures: The standard includes revised provisions for nonlinear analysis, modeling parameters, and acceptance criteria to better reflect the behavior of buildings during earthquakes. In particular, the distributed plasticity approach is fully covered and supported, permitting the use of (the generally more accurate) fiber models in the nonlinear analytical methods (Nonlinear Static Procedure, NSP, and Nonlinear Dynamic Procedure, NDP).
• Comprehensive Guidance: ASCE 41-23 covers a wide range of structural systems (concrete, steel, masonry, wood) and nonstructural components, providing comprehensive guidance for evaluation and retrofit design.

Who Benefits from ASCE 41-23

The updated standard is a valuable resource for a broad range of stakeholders, including:

• Structural Engineers: Responsible for designing and implementing seismic retrofit solutions.
• Architects: Involved in the planning and design of retrofit projects.
• Construction Managers: Overseeing the implementation of retrofit measures.
• Building Code Officials: Enforcing seismic safety regulations.
• Building Owners: Responsible for the safety and resilience of their properties.
• Academic Researchers: Advancing knowledge in the field of seismic engineering.

Seismosoft Software Support

To streamline your seismic assessment and retrofit projects, Seismosoft’s powerful suite of software tools, including SeismoStruct, SeismoBuild, and FRP Designer, now fully support the updated ASCE 41-23 provisions.

Further Exploration

To learn more about ASCE 41-23 and its implications for the field of seismic engineering, you can explore the following resources:

• ASCE Library: https://ascelibrary.org/doi/10.1061/9780784416112
• ASCE Publications: https://sp360.asce.org/PersonifyEbusiness/Merchandise/Product-Details/productId/309658028
• ASCE News Article: https://www.asce.org/publications-and-news/civil-engineering-source/article/2023/12/01/asce-41-23-provides-significant-updates-to-requirements-for-seismic-evaluation-and-retrofit-of-existing-buildings

By staying informed about the latest advancements in seismic engineering and adopting best practices like those outlined in ASCE 41-23, we can work together to create a more resilient built environment.