Performance-Based Seismic Design
Definition
An advanced design approach that targets specific performance levels (operational, life-safe, collapse prevention) for different earthquake intensities, rather than prescriptive code requirements.
Example
Hospitals are designed to 'immediate occupancy' performance — functional after a major earthquake.
Related Terms
Related Guides
Earthquake-Resistant Design Principles
Modern earthquake-resistant design uses ductility, redundancy, and energy dissipation. Learn the engineering principles that save lives.
How to Evaluate Your Building's Seismic Safety
Learn to assess your building's earthquake vulnerability. A practical guide to identifying structural risks and when to hire a professional.
Steel vs Concrete: Which Is Better in Earthquakes?
Steel and concrete respond differently to earthquakes. Learn the strengths and weaknesses of each material for seismic-resistant construction.
Skyscrapers and Earthquakes: Engineering Marvels
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Hospital Design for Earthquake Resistance
Hospitals must remain operational after earthquakes. Learn about special seismic design requirements for medical facilities.
The Evolution of Building Codes After Major Earthquakes
Every major earthquake reveals building failures that reshape building codes. Trace the evolution of seismic design standards from 1906 to today.
Do Buildings Pancake in Every Earthquake?
Pancake collapse is dramatic but specific to certain building types. Learn which structures are vulnerable and how modern codes prevent collapse.
How Earthquake Building Codes Are Developed
Building codes evolve after each major earthquake. Learn how engineers translate seismic research into construction standards that save lives.
Frequently Asked Questions
The epicenter is the point on the Earth's surface directly above the hypocenter (focus) where the earthquake rupture begins. It is typically reported as latitude and longitude coordinates. The strongest shaking usually occurs near the epicenter, though local soil conditions and fault geometry can shift the zone of maximum damage.
A seismograph (or seismometer) is an instrument that detects and records ground motion caused by seismic waves. Modern broadband seismometers can detect movements smaller than the width of an atom. Networks of seismographs around the world enable scientists to locate earthquakes and determine their magnitude within minutes.
P-waves (primary waves) are compressional waves that travel fastest through rock, arriving first at seismic stations. S-waves (secondary waves) are shear waves that arrive later but cause more ground shaking. P-waves travel through solids, liquids, and gases; S-waves only travel through solids. The time difference between them helps determine earthquake distance.
The hypocenter (or focus) is the point within the Earth where an earthquake rupture initiates. It is described by latitude, longitude, and depth. The vertical distance between the hypocenter and the surface directly above is the earthquake's depth, which strongly influences how the earthquake is felt at the surface.
Seismology is the scientific study of earthquakes and the propagation of seismic waves through the Earth. It encompasses earthquake detection, location, and characterization; Earth's internal structure; seismic hazard assessment; and earthquake engineering. Seismologists use data from global seismograph networks to study these phenomena.