SEISMIC VULNERABILITY ASSESSMENT OF RC BUILDINGS

Moderate to high levels of seismic hazard are present throughout the Pakistan and numerous collapsed by Oct. 8, 2005 Earthquake verified the seismic vulnerability of building type present in the country. Seismic retrofitting of existing structures is one of the most effective methods of reducing this risk. However, the seismic performance of the structure may not be improved by retrofitting or rehabilitation unless the engineer selects an appropriate intervention technique based on seismic evaluation of the structure. Current codes (BCP 2007) do not address the evaluation of seismic resistance of existing building stock, not designed in accordance with the philosophies of current seismic provisions. The primary purpose of this book is to carry seismic evaluation of buildings in the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad and propose guidelines for Building Code of Pakistan. Owing to importance of the subject, various organizations in the earthquake threatened countries have come up with documents, which serve as guidelines for the assessment of the strength, expected performance and safety of existing buildings.