SEISMIC EVALUATION OF EXISTING BUILDINGS ACCORDING TO DOCUMENT FEMA 310

Abstract

In this paper, the principle of application of the FEMA310 document for seismic evaluation of existing buildings is briefly illustrated, for any building type, and examples of evaluation are given for the first and second tier of evaluation process, for two types of masonry structures. The application of this document at tier one and tier two of the evaluation process is a conservative, simplified way of determining seismic resistance, based on many experiential data and including the most important parameters of buildings that can affect seismic resistance. Instructions given by FEMA310 are easy to apply, but are adapted to US standards. Two examples for evaluation of masonry buildings on first and second tier of evaluation are given, for masonry buildings with rigid and flexible diaphragmas.