A generalized method for seismic evaluation of existing buildings

Current Indian codes do not address the evaluation of seismic resistance of existing building stock, which may not have been designed for earthquake forces. An appropriate level of safety needs to be ensured for occupants of these buildings through strengthening measures, if found deficient. Existing buildings not designed in accordance with the philosophies of current seismic codes need to be assessed for their expected seismic performance in future earthquakes. The proposed method provides for a consistent yet flexible framework to assess the ability of existing buildings to reach an adequate level of seismic performance related to life safety of occupants. The elements of assessment are arranged in a tier-like format for increasing level of detail and sophistication, which can be easily applied to a rather wide range of buildings, with mixed structural systems typically encountered in India. Further, the method can be easily extended or modified to include other structural systems as well.