Dear user,

To assign a seismic load in a structure there are two steps. First you
have to define the seismic load and then you have to assign the load
to the structure.
1> Seismic definition:
To calculate the seismic load acting on the structure, there are
different parameters which should be defined at first. On basis of
those factors using the standard formula, defined in any standard
code, the seismic load is calculated. In this particular part, those
parameters like zone factor, performance factor or the soil type have
to be defined to calculate the Response acceleration coefficient. In
IS-1893 the corresponding values are given. Also in the technical
reference manual in section 5.31.2.5, you will find some information
regarding these.
Next you have to define the seismic weights. It is needed to calculate
the total weight of the structure to calculate the base shear. There
are different types of loading. The self weight option defines the self
weight of different members. If there is any load at the nodes you can
define it by joint load option. The load coming from walls can be
defined under member load option. The weight of the floor can be
defined using the floor weight option.
You can select the code you want to follow. The "Include accidental
load" option helps to determine the effects of accidental torsion to
account for the uncertainties in terms of centre of mass or centre of
rigidity as there position can not be properly located.

2> Load assignment:

Next the seismic load has to be assigned to the structure. For this a
new primary load case has to be created in which the seismic load
has to be added. The seismic load may be applied in X direction or
may be in Z direction. There must be two separate load cases to
define seismic load in different directions. The load factor must be
assigned as 1 to define that the load is acting in the positive direction.
You also have to add all other loads like dead load, live load or wind
load. You can do it either by adding those loads separately in the two
different seismic load cases. Or you can create a different primary
load case where you add these loads and then create another primary
load case where you have to use the repeat load case option to
combine the loads. Load combination option, in this case, should not
be used as this is a non-linear case.
The loads due to self weight or member weight should be assigned in
load case details also. Else the structure will be analyzed only for
seismic load cases.
One most important thing is that you have to assign the seismic load
cases as the first load case before defining any other load case. Else
during analysis it will give some error message.
You can perform P-Delta analyze as this is a non-linear case.
You can also go through Example 14. The problem will help you to
understand.