Integrating Indian Standard Code IS 1893: 2016

A Comprehensive Guide to Seismic Analysis in ETABS

Response Spectrum Analysis & P-delta Analysis

5th July 2025

CSI Engineering Software Pvt Ltd

[Link]
 ETABS & IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016
Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures Part 1 : General Provisions and Buildings
Topics

Response Spectrum
P-delta Analysis
Analysis
 ETABS & IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016
Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures Part 1 : General Provisions and Buildings
Topic 1/2

Response Spectrum
Analysis
Response Spectrum Analysis
• It provides a practical and widely accepted method for incorporating dynamic effects into
design without the complexity of time-domain simulations
• Understanding the underlying principles and proper application in ETABS is crucial for safe and
economical designs.
• Advantages:
• Relatively simple and computationally efficient compared to time history analysis.
• Provides maximum expected responses directly.
• Widely accepted by building codes for seismic design.
• Limitations:
• Loss of phase information (peak responses from different modes/directions do not occur
simultaneously).
• Applicable primarily to linear elastic systems.
• Does not provide time-history of response.
• Requires careful interpretation of results and adherence to code provisions.
Response Spectrum Analysis - Directions

Lateral acceleration is the primary concern for overall structural stability

against collapse. It dictates the design of the LFRS (shear walls, frames).

Vertical acceleration is typically less critical but must be considered for

elements sensitive to vertical motion, such as long-span beams, transfer girders,
and for checking uplift or localized effects.

Codes provide guidelines on when and how to include it.

 Response Spectrum Analysis Process in ETABS

Define Define
Perform
Define Define Response Response Run
Modal
Structure Masses Spectrum Spectrum Analysis
Analysis
Function Load Case
Direction of
excitation and
the scale factor.
Natural
Geometry, frequencies,
Assign mass to
material & periods, mode
the structure Pre-defined or Modal Review the
sections shapes and
using Mass user-defined Combination results.
properties, modal mass
Source
loads. participation of
the structure.

Directional
Combination
Mass Source For Analysis in ETABS
Modal Analysis in ETABS
Modal Analysis Results in ETABS
Spectrum Function in ETABS
Spectrum Load Case in ETABS

Initial SF Initial SF
Scaling in Spectrum Case in ETABS

New SF = SF * (Fx-EQX / Fx-RSAX)

Response Spectrum Analysis – Design
Combinations
For multi-valued load combinations involving response spectrum, time history, and multi-valued
combinations (of type enveloping, square-root of the sum of the squares or absolute) where any
correspondence between interacting quantities is lost, the program automatically produces
multiple sub-combinations using maxima/minima permutations of interacting quantities.

P, Mx, My -P, Mx, My

P, Mx, -My -P, Mx, -My
P, -Mx, My -P, -Mx, My
P, -Mx, -My -P, -Mx, -My

Separate combinations with negative factors for response spectrum cases are not required
because the program automatically takes the minima to be the negative of the maxima for
response spectrum cases and the previously described permutations generate the required sub-
combinations.
Spectrum Case – Deflection Response

• The deflected configuration of a structure subjected to a load

combination which includes a response-spectrum load case is
meaningless since displacement sign convention is lost during
modal combination.
 ETABS & IS 1893 (Part 1): 2016
Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures Part 1 : General Provisions and Buildings
Topic 2/2

P-delta Analysis
P-delta Analysis & Options in ETABS

• P-delta analysis captures the softening effect of compression and

the stiffening effect of tension.

• A single P-delta analysis under gravity and sustained loads can be

used to modify the stiffness for linear load cases, which can later
be superposed. Alternatively, each combination of loads can be
analyzed for full nonlinear P-delta effects.

• P-delta effects are included for all elements and are seamlessly
integrated into analysis and design.
Second-order Analysis Using Design Code
In the absence of more exact analysis use the Wood’s Chart
Member Stiffness - Codes
P-Delta Analysis in ETABS - Methods

Recommeded
1. Default P-delta 2. User P-delta 3. NL Cases with
(initial) (initial) P-delta (full)
• Set P-delta Options • Define a NL static • Convert design
• Iterative- based load case for combinations to
on loads desired p-delta NL static
• All linear load loads
cases will use this • All linear load
as starting stiffness cases must use
this NL case as
starting stiffness
1. Default P-delta (Initial)
Define>Set P-delta Options> Iterative – Based on Loads
2. User P-delta (Initial)
Define>Set P-delta Options>None
2. User P-delta (Initial)
The lateral load case using the user defined p-delta NL case.
3. Nonlinear Static Cases with P-delta (full)
Convert all design load combinations into Nonlinear Static Cases
3. Nonlinear Static Cases and Combinations
P-Delta Analysis Using ETABS – Example: A Cantilever Column with
Gravity and Lateral Loads – Results from all 3 approaches
P-Delta Analysis Using ETABS – Example – Load Combos
Thank You!