Seismic Qualification by Similarity

Abstract

The CSA N289 series of Standards on seismic design provides methodology for seismic qualification of structures, system and components (SSCs). These include qualification by analysis, testing, combination of analysis and testing and by similarity. There appears to be some ambiguity on the use of the similarity method for seismic qualification of SSCs. This paper discusses the seismic qualification methods and highlights in detail the requirements, advantages and limitations of seismic qualification by similarity.