Performance-Based Seismic Design in the Era of Low-Damage Systems: Devices, Design Methods, and Real-World Evidence
Keywords:
Performance-based seismic design, low-damage systems, self-centering mechanisms, energy dissipation devices, resilience-based design, nonlinear analysis, earthquake engineeringAbstract
This review aims to synthesize current developments in performance-based seismic design (PBSD) and low-damage structural systems, highlighting how innovative devices, analytical methodologies, and empirical evidence are converging to redefine seismic resilience in structural engineering. The study employed a qualitative systematic review design focusing on 14 peer-reviewed articles published between 2010 and 2025. Data collection was performed through major databases such as Scopus, Web of Science, and ScienceDirect using targeted keywords including “performance-based seismic design,” “low-damage systems,” and “resilient structures.” Data analysis followed a thematic approach using Nvivo 14 software, applying open, axial, and selective coding to identify and integrate recurring patterns and theoretical constructs. Thematic saturation was achieved after the twelfth source, ensuring conceptual completeness and analytical depth. Four dominant themes emerged: (1) the evolution of PBSD toward resilience-based frameworks emphasizing functionality, downtime, and repairability; (2) the proliferation of low-damage technologies such as self-centering frames, rocking walls, and hybrid energy-dissipation devices; (3) the advancement of analytical and computational tools, including nonlinear time-history analysis, probabilistic fragility modeling, and multi-objective optimization; and (4) empirical validation through large-scale experiments and post-earthquake observations confirming the real-world performance of low-damage systems. The review also identified persistent challenges in implementation, including limited code integration, cost barriers, and insufficient practitioner familiarity. The integration of PBSD with low-damage systems represents a transformative step in earthquake engineering, enabling buildings to achieve not only life safety but also rapid functionality recovery and lifecycle resilience. While technological maturity has been demonstrated, broader adoption will require standardization, policy incentives, and continued collaboration among researchers, engineers, and policymakers to translate research into resilient urban infrastructure.
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