This paper reviews the contributions of research towards the development of
the methodologies associated with Performance-Based Seismic Engineering (P
BSE). Research undertaken in various related disciplines is reviewed, under
the broad section headings of (i) Engineering Seismology and Geology (Seis
mic Activity Modelling), (ii) Engineering Seismology (Seismic Hazard Modell
ing), (iii) Soil Dynamics, (iv) System Dynamics, and (v) Mechanics of Mater
ials (Concrete used as example). The sequence of the discussion is consiste
nt with a typical seismic assessment procedure, which commences with seismi
c activity modelling in the 'upstream' end of the procedure and finishes wi
th consideration of structural mechanics behaviour at the 'downstream' end.
Each section provides an outline of historical research and development, l
eading to a review of the state-of-the-art approaches. Particular emphasis
is given to the inter-linking of the disciplines, and the paper refers to s
uch links as 'Nodal Points'. An example of a nodal point is the definition
of probabilistic seismic hazard coefficients that are used to define seismi
c hazard in terms of elastic response spectra, for example the response spe
ctral accelerations at key periods of 0.3 and 1.0 s. Each of the Nodal Poin
ts associated with the various disciplines has been critically reviewed, an
d shortcomings have been identified. For example, the inability of a probab
ilistic approach to fully represent an earthquake event as a physical proce
ss is highlighted. Also, the importance of putting emphasis in future resea
rch on determining the Maximum Credible (or Considered) Earthquake, MCE, is
emphasised.
The paper brings to light the fact that, although significant achievements
have been made in each of the related disciplines and in the connection of
the Nodal Points, there has been relatively little change in substance at t
he Nodal Points themselves. An important outcome of this multi-disciplinary
review is the identification of some key limitations in current procedures
. The source of these limitations was traced upstream, and thence to the No
dal Points that provide the inter-disciplinary links. This process has been
referred to herein as Upstream Feedback. A review of the problems at these
links sows the seeds for further development, which would not have been po
ssible had all the recent contributions been confined within the individual
disciplines. Such an Upstream Feedback process, enabling improvements to t
he multi-discipinary links, would be instrumental in enhancing the overall
effectiveness of PBSE in the future. (C) 2001 Elsevier Science Ltd. All rig
hts reserved.