SEISMIC LEVEL OF PROTECTION FOR BUILDING STRUCTURES

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.