Performance based seismic engineering is the modern approach to earthquake
resistant design. Rather than being based on prescriptive mostly empirical code
formulations, performance based design is an attempt to predict buildings with
predictable seismic performance. Therefore, performance objectives such as lifesafety,
collapse prevention, or immediate occupancy are used to define the state of
the building following a design earthquake. In one sense, performance based seismic
design is limit-states design extended to cover the complex range of issues faced by
earthquake engineers. This seminar provides a basic understanding of the promises
and limitations of performance based seismic engineering. The state-of-the-art
methodologies and techniques embodied in the two leading guidelines on this subject
(ATC-40 and FEMA 273/274) are provided to illustrate the practical applications of
the methods discussed.