Optimal Seismic-Resistant Design of Sports Structures with a Focus on Athlete Safety

Background & Objective: Sports facilities, as public and often densely populated spaces, must be designed with the highest safety standards-particularly in seismically active regions. This study aims to present an optimal structural design approach for sports buildings with enhanced earthquake resistance, while ensuring the safety and performance continuity of athletes. By integrating advanced seismic design strategies and performance-based engineering methods, the study provides guidelines to reduce structural vulnerabilities and enhance resilience in sports environments. Sporting venues, including stadiums, gyms, and indoor halls, frequently host large numbers of athletes and spectators. Earthquake-prone regions pose a significant risk to such structures, potentially resulting in catastrophic failures and injuries. The objective of this study is to propose a systematic framework for the seismic-resistant design of sports facilities that prioritizes athlete safety, operational continuity, and structural sustainability. Methods: The research utilizes a combination of finite element modeling (FEM), nonlinear dynamic analysis, and performance-based seismic design. Several structural configurations of typical sports facilities were modeled and subjected to simulated ground motion records based on seismic hazard levels defined by the International Building Code (IBC) and Eurocode ۸. Key design parameters such as base isolation systems, energy dissipation devices, and optimized structural geometry were evaluated. Safety indices and inter-story drift limits were analyzed with a special focus on athlete movement zones. Results: The results indicate that structures employing base isolation and supplemental damping devices demonstrated up to ۴۰% reduction in inter-story drifts and a ۳۵% increase in overall energy absorption. Moreover, the optimized configurations improved evacuation time and reduced damage in critical areas, such as locker rooms and training zones. The study confirms that implementing performance-based seismic design leads to enhanced structural resilience and increased safety for users, especially athletes. Conclusion: Integrating advanced seismic design principles into the planning and construction of sports facilities significantly enhances structural performance and athlete safety. The use of base isolation, energy dissipation, and optimized architectural layouts not only reduces the risk of collapse but also ensures minimal disruption to sporting activities post-earthquake. These findings are crucial for urban planning authorities, engineers, and sports organizations in seismic regions.

کلیدواژه ها:

Sports Structures ، Seismic Design ، Earthquake-Resistant Buildings ، Athlete Safety ، Performance-Based Engineering ، Base Isolation ، Structural Optimization