Probabilistic Basis for use of Importance Factor in Seismic Design

Abstract

International seismic design codes uses importance factors to increase the design loads according to the importance category of buildings. Though the use of importance factor increases the performance of the buildings, the quantification of performance for each level of importance factor is not available. The present study illustrates the seismic fragilities and reliability indices of case study buildings designed as per Indian seismic code. Conclusions are drawn based on the values of fragilities and reliability values.