Macroseismic foundations of seismic microzoning

The Russian seismic safety regulations are based on macroseismic evaluations in terms of seismic intensity values. According to the seismic scale, intensity value determines both the degree of destruction of buildings and engineering structures and such parameters of seismic impacts as peak ground accelerations and response spectra. Application of macroseismic approach in various aspects of seismic microzoning has led to achievements in earthquake engineering; these aspects are discussed. The advantages and disadvantages of the macroseismic approach are considered.