Seismic Design Philosophy for Precast Concrete Frames

Seismic design philosophy for ductile precast concrete frames is discussed. The difference between “strong-connection” and “ductile-connection” precast design is defined. A discussion is presented advocating changing the fundamental basis of seismic design from force-based to drift-based design. Performance criteria for strong-connection and ductile-connection precast structures designed to both force-based and drift-based philosophies are suggested.