Deflection due to seismic loads

Pvelite does not calculate deflection due to seismic loads for any code even though these are multifold times wind loads for tall columns.Being governing loads they are used for foundation design but not for governing deflection. Seismic deflections are often several times of wind often nearing the h/200 limit and no caution or warning is available to the user as often for such long structures an upper cap bounds the deflection. In User Response Spectrum Option, the deflections appear to be calculated but output is not discernible and there is no declaration of the value and conclusion as in case of wind deflection.

On being officially contacted, the software makers have confirmed that at present the software does not address this important issue. Their development team is working on a patch or new version. Wish an official cautionary announcement was made so that all users are informed to use alternate modules and methods to supplement the design report. Wish also that some of those moderating this group had come out with their comments.