Simplified Lateral Mechanism Analysis (SLaMA) 2019 Seminar Notes

This seminar provides guidance on the simplified lateral mechanism analysis (SLaMA) of existing buildings. The seminar aims to clarify the conceptual basis of how the approach can be used to assist in establishing the %NBS of a building. Two worked examples will be reviewed during the seminar, making reference to relevant parts of the NZSEE detailed seismic assessment guidelines and a newly released set of guidelines for SLaMA. It is intended that practitioners inexperienced with the subject of seismic assessment will leave the seminar equipped with a better understanding of the SLaMA approach and valuable notes for later reference.

Speaker Profile

Tim Sullivan

Tim Sullivan is an Associate Professor at the University of Canterbury, New Zealand. Prior to that he was based in Italy where he was head of the Design Methods Section of the European Centre for Training and Research in Earthquake Engineering, and Assistant Professor at the University of Pavia. Tim’s research interests lie mainly in the examination of the fundamentals of seismic design and experimental testing techniques. He is particularly well recognised for his work in displacement-based seismic design and assessment methods, with his PhD supervised by Nigel Priestley and Gian Michele Calvi. Tim has more than 100 publications related to seismic design, seismic assessment, seismic retrofit and mitigation of seismic risk. Tim is also a chartered professional engineer with the UK institute of Civil Engineers, having worked in the UK, New Zealand, Germany and Italy on a wide range of building and bridge projects.

Barry Davidson

Barry has over thirty years’ experience in structural engineering, design, research and teaching. He has a wide-ranging background that includes the seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete and unreinforced masonry buildings and the design of damping and isolation systems to mitigate vibrations for buildings, stairways and bridges. He taught and lead research into seismic design at the University of Auckland for over twenty years, while remaining in contact with the design profession through his company, Compusoft Engineering Ltd. He has played an active role in the profession, where with the New Zealand Society of Earthquake Engineering, he was part of the successful team that managed the 2000 World Conference in Earthquake Engineering, he is a past President of and life member of SESOC.