The seismic level of protection of building structures is concerned wi
th the performance of the structures during strong seismic shaking. Pe
rformance expectations, for both. functionality and life-safety object
ives. are related to structural response parameters such as deflection
, interstorey drift, and damage. This article describes a research fra
mework for the evaluation of the level of protection and its potential
application to the evaluation of the level of protection provided by
the seismic provisions of the National Building Code of Canada (NBCC).
This framework is described in terms of four distinct facets or dimen
sions, namely seismic hazard, seismic design, response and damage, and
vulnerability. The evaluation of the NBCC level of protection for a v
ariety of building types is discussed, including a detailed descriptio
n of a pilot project on a six-storey reinforced concrete office frame
structure. A brief description is given of other potential application
s of the framework, including rehabilitation strategies for existing b
uildings, repair and replacement costs, and seismic design for low to
moderate seismic hazard regions.