Solutions to the short-period building performance paradox

This paper summarizes on-going studies of the ATC-116 Project to investigate solutions to the shortperiod building performance paradox - Why do analytical models of code compliant designs predict high probabilities of collapse for short-period buildings contrary to damage observed in actual earthquakes and the judgement of earthquake engineers? The ATC-116 Project studies are: (1) investigating the major causes and practical solutions to the performance paradox of short-period buildings; (2) improving, calibrating, and validating analytical modeling methods with observed performance of buildings in recent earthquakes and full-scale shake table building tests; and (3) providing practical recommendations for improving design practice and requirements in building codes and standards. Topical studies of light-frame wood buildings related to the first two objectives are essentially complete and similar studies of short-period reinforced masonry shear wall buildings are underway. The third objective necessarily requires acceptance from a broad community involved in the design and construction of buildings. Accordingly, a workshop was conducted in late 2016 to get input from stakeholders regarding development of recommendations for improving design practice and building codes and standards of light-frame wood buildings. Similar workshops are envisioned for other systems. This paper provides an overview of the ATC-116 project and summarizes key findings of the studies of short-period light-frame wood building.