Relationship between earthquake damage and building codes in various countries located on highly seismic hazard regions

摘要

First, this paper presents the relations between human loss ratios due to earthquakesand income levels of a country, regarding many countries in highly seismic hazardous regions inthe world. Second, overall features of seismic design regulations in current building codes are discussedand compared with those of previous provisions as well as in relation with human loss ratios.Third, needs of future revision of the current code provisions are suggested emphasizing thenecessity of introduction of site-specific characteristics. Moreover, the advantageous of utilizationof new methods such as base isolation technique for the structure as well as its non-structuralequipment has been discussed. Finally, the urgency for earthquake strengthening for existingbuildings designed and constructed before the establishment of the current seismic resistant provisionsis also pointed out.