New Zealand Advances in Performance-Based Seismic Design

This paper provides a summary of the objectives and principles which underpin the 2004 edition of the New Zealand earthquake design standard,AS/NZS 1170 Part 5.As with many modern earthquake design standards,the New Zealand earthquake design standard recognizes that earthquake resistant design that only addresses life safety goals without addressing both operational continuity of essential facilities and damage control,falls short of public expectations.Such standards not longer meet societal expectations.The paper outlines how these issues have been addressed within New Zealand,and some of the issues addressed when preparing appendices to the standard to provide guidance for materials standard writers to ensure consistency with the proposed approach.Recognizing the significance of non-structural components and parts of buildings in both damage control and operational continuity has been an important step forward in attaining the performance levels required.