INDIAN STANDARDS ON EARTHQUAKE ENGINEERING

Bureau of Indian standards, the National Standard Body of India, is a

Statutory Organization under the Bureau of Indian Standards Act 1986.
One of the activity is formulation of Indian Standards on different subjects
of Engineering through various Division Councils. The Civil Engineering
Division Council is responsible for standardization in the field of Civil
Engineering including Structural Engineering, Building materials and
components, Planning Design, Construction and Maintenance of Civil
Engineering Structures, Construction Practices, Safety in Building etc.
These standards are evolved based on concensus principle through a net
work of technical committee comprising representatives from Research
and Development Organizations, Consumers, Industry, Testing Labs and
Govt. Organizations etc.
The Civil Engineering Division Council is working towards to achieve the
above goal through 35 Sectional Committees covering wide range of
subjects and one of the Sectional Committee is Earthquake Engineering
Sectional Committee, CED 39.
India is one of the most disaster prone countries, vulnerable to almost all
natural and man made disasters. About 85% area is vulnerable to one or
multiple disasters and about 57% area is in high seismic zone including
the capital of the country. Disaster prevention involves engineering
intervention in buildings and structures to make them strong enough to
withstand the impact of natural hazard or to impose restrictions on land
use so that the exposure of the society to the hazard situation is avoided
or minimized.
Himalayan-Nagalushai region, Indo-Gangetic plain, Western India and
Cutch and Kathiawar regions are geologically unstable parts of the country
and some devastating earthquakes of the world have occurred there. A
major part of peninsular India has also been visited by strong
earthquakes, but these were relatively few in number and had
considerably lesser intensity. It has been a long felt need to rationalize the
earthquake resistant design and construction of structures taking into
account seismic data from studies of these earthquakes. It is to serve this
purpose, Bureau of Indian Standards has rendered invaluable services by
producing a number of national standards in the field of Design and
Construction of Earthquake Resistant Structures and also in the field of
measurement and tests connected therewith. A detail of Indian Standards
in the area of mitigation of natural hazard of earthquake is given
underneath.

IS 1893:1984
Structures

Criteria for

Earthquake

Resistant

Design

of

This standard deals with earthquake resistant design of structures and is

applicable to buildings; elevated structures; bridges; dams etc. It also
gives a map which divides the country into five seismic zones based on
the seismic intensity.
IS 1893 was initially published in 1962 as `Recommendations for
Earthquake Resistant Design of Structures and then revised in 1966. As a
result of additional seismic data collected in India and further knowledge
and experience gained the standard was revised in 1970, 1975 and then
in 1984.
Consequent to the publication of this standard on account of earthquakes
in
various
parts
of
the
country
including
that
in
UttarKashi, Latur and Bhuj and technological advancement in the field, the
Sectional Committee decided to revise the standard into five parts which
deals with different types of structures:
Part 1 : General provisions and Buildings
Part 2 : Liquid Retaining Tanks Elevated and Ground
Supported
Part 3 : Bridges and Retaining Walls
Part 4 : Industrial Structures Including Stack Like Structures
Part 5 : Dams and Embankments
IS 1893(Part 1):2002 `Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design
of Structures : Part 1 General provisions and Buildings
This standard contains provisions that are general in nature and
applicable to all structures. Also, it contains provisions that are specific to
buildings only. It covers general principles and design criteria,
combinations, design spectrum, main attributes of buildings, dynamic
analysis, apart from seismic zoning map and seismic coefficients of
important towns, map showing epicenters, map showing tectonic features
and lithological map of India.
Following are the major and important modifications made in this revision:
a) The seismic zone map is revised with only four zones,
instead of five. Erstwhile Zone I has been merged to Zone II

and hence Zone I does not appear in the new zoning; only
Zones II, III, IV and V do. The killari area has been included
in Zone III and necessary modifications made, keeping in
view the probabilistic Hazard Evaluation. The Bellary
isolated zone has been removed. The parts of eastern coast
area have shown similar hazard to that of the killari area,
the level of Zone II has been enhanced to Zone III and
connected with Zone III of Godawari Graben area.
b) b) This revision adopts the procedure of first calculating
the actual force that may be experienced by the structure
during the probable maximum earthquake, if it were to
remain elastic. Then the concept of response reduction due
to ductile deformation or frictional energy dissipation in the
cracks is brought into the code explicitly, by introducing
the `response reduction factor in place of the earlier
performance factor.
c)

The values of seismic zone factors have been changed;

these now reflect more realistic values of effective peak
ground acceleration considering Maximum Considered
Earthquake (MCE) and service life of structure in each
seismic zone.

d) A clause has been introduced to restrict the use of

foundations vulnerable to differential settlements in severe
seismic zones.
Here it is worthwhile to mention that it is not intended in this standard to
lay down regulation so that no structure shall suffer any damage during
earthquake of all magnitudes. It has been endeavoured to ensure that as
far as, possible structures are able to respond, without structural damage
to shocks of moderate intensities and without total collapse to shocks of
heavy intensities.
IS 1893(Part 4):2005 `Criteria for Earthquake Resistant Design of
Structures: Part 4 Industrial Structures Including Stack Like
Structures
This standard deals with earthquake resistant design of the industrial
structures (plant and auxiliary structures) including stack-like structures
such as process industries, power plants, textile industries, off-shore
structures and marine/port/harbour structures.
In addition to the above, stack-like structures covered by this standard are
such as transmission and communication towers, chimneys and stack-like
structures and silos (including parabolic silos used for urea storage).

The characteristics (intensity, duration, etc) of seismic ground vibrations

expected at any location depends upon the magnitude of earthquake, its
depth of focus, distance from the epicenter, characteristics of the path
through which the seismic waves travel, and the soil strata on which the
structure stands.
The response of a structure to ground vibrations is a function of the nature
of foundations, soil, materials, form, size and mode of construction of
structures; and the duration and characteristics of ground motion. This
standard specifies design forces for structures standing on rocks or soils,
which do not settle, liquify or slide due to loss of strength during
vibrations.
The design approach adopted in this standard is to ensure that structures
possess minimum strength to withstand minor earthquakes (DBE)which
occur frequently, without damage; resist moderate earthquakes (DBE)
without significant structural damage though some non-structural damage
may occur; and withstand a major earthquake (MCE) without collapse.
IS 4326:1993 Earthquake Resistant Design and Construction of
Buildings - Code of Practice
This standard provides guidance in selection of materials, special features
of design and construction for earthquake resistant buildings including
masonry construction, timber construction, prefabricated construction
etc. In this standard, it is intended to cover the specified features of
design and construction for earthquake resistance of buildings of
conventional types. The general principles to be observed in the
construction of such earthquake resistant buildings as specified in this
standard are Lightness, Continuity of Construction, avoiding/reinforcing
Projecting and suspended parts, Building configuration, strength in various
directions, stable foundations, Ductility of structure, Connection to nonstructural parts and fire safety of structures.
Special Construction Features like Separation of Adjoining Structures,
Crumple Section, Foundation design, Roofs and Floors and Staircases have
been elaborated in the standard. It also covers the details pertaining to
the type of construction, masonry construction with rectangular masonry
units, masonry bearing walls, openings in bearing walls, seismic
strengthening arrangements, framing of thin load bearing walls,
reinforcing
details
for
hollow
block
masonry,
flooring/roofing
with precast components and timber construction.
IS 13827:1993 Improving Earthquake
Buildings Guidelines

Resistance

of

Earthen

The guidelines covered in this standard deal with the design and
construction aspects for improving earthquake resistance of earthen
houses, without the use of stabilizers such as lime, cement, asphalt, etc.

The provisions of this standard are applicable for seismic zones III, IV and
V. No special provisions are considered necessary in Zone II. However,
considering inherently weak against water and earthquake, earthen
buildings should preferably be avoided in flood prone, high rainfall areas
and seismic zones IV and V.
It has been recommended that such buildings should be light,
single storeyed and of simple rectangular plan. Qualitative tests for the
suitability of soil have been suggested.
Guidelines for Block or Adobe Construction, Rammed earth construction,
Seismic strengthening of bearing wall buildings, Internal bracing in
earthen houses and earthen constructions with wood or cane
structures have heen elaborated in this standard.
IS 13828:1993 Improving Earthquake Resistance of Low Strength
Masonry Buildings Guidelines
This standard covers the special features of design and construction for
improving earthquake resistance of buildings of low-strength masonry.
The provisions of this standard are applicable in all seismic zones. No
special provisions are considered necessary for buildings in seismic zone II
if cement-sand mortar not leaner than 1:6 is used in masonry and through
stones or bonding elements are used in stone walls.
The various provisions of IS 4326:1993 regarding general principles,
special construction features, types of construction, categories of
buildings and masonry construction with rectangular masonry buildings of
low strength dealt with in this standard. There are however certain
restrictions, exceptions and additional details which are specifically
included herein.
IS 13920:1993 Ductile Detailing of Reinforced Concrete Structures
Subjected to Seismic Forces Code of Practice
This standard covers the requirements for designing and detailing of
monolithic reinforced concrete buildings so as to give them adequate
toughness and ductility to resist severe earthquake shocks without
collapse.
The provisions for reinforced concrete construction given in this standard
apply
specifically
to
monolithic
reinforced
concrete
construction. Precast and/or prestressed concrete members may be used
only if they can provide the same level of ductility as that of a monolithic
reinforced concrete construction during or after an earthquake.

Provisions on minimum and maximum reinforcement have been

elaborated which includes the requirements for beams at longitudinal
reinforcement in beams at joint face, splices and anchorage
requirements. Provisions have been included for calculation of design
shear force and for detailing of transverse reinforcement in beams.
Material specifications are indicated for lateral force resisting elements of
frames. The provisions are also given for detailing of reinforcement in the
wall web, boundary elements, coupling beams, around openings, at
construction joints, and for the development, splicing and anchorage of
reinforcement.
IS 13935:2009 Seismic Evaluation, Repair and Strengthening of
Masonry Buildings Guidelines
This standard covers the selection of materials and techniques to be used
for repair and seismic strengthening of damaged buildings during
earthquakes. It also covers the damageability assessment and retrofitting
for upgrading of seismic resistance of existing masonry buildings covered
under IS 4326 and IS 13828.
The provisions of this standard are applicable for buildings in seismic
Zones III to V of IS 1893 (Part-1). These are based on damaging seismic
intensities VII and more on M.S.K. Intensity scales. The scheme of
strengthening should satisfy the requirements stipulated for the seismic
zone of IS 1893: (Part-1), building categories of IS 4326 and provisions
made in this code and in IS 13828 for low strength masonry building. No
special seismic resistance features are considered necessary for buildings
in seismic Zones II, but the important buildings in this Zone may also be
considered for upgrading their seismic resistance.
The buildings affected by earthquake may suffer both non-structural and
structural damages. This standard lays down guidelines for nonstructural/architectural as well as structural repairs, seismic strengthening
and seismic retrofitting of existing buildings. Guidelines have been given
for selection of materials for repair work such as cement, steel, epoxy
resins, epoxy mortar, quick setting cement mortar and special techniques
such as shotcrete, mechanical anchorage etc. Seismic strengthening
techniques for the modification of roofs or floors, inserting new walls,
strengthening existing walls, masonry arches, random rubble masonry
walls, strengthening long walls, strengthening reinforced concrete
members and strengthening of foundations have been elaborated in
detail.
The following are the major important modifications made in this revision:

a) Non-shrink grouts and fibre reinforced plastics have been

incorporated
for
repair,
restoration
work
and
strengthening.
b) Damageability assessment of existing masonry buildings under
earthquake
occurrences
has
been
incorporated.
c) Assessment of retrofitting requirements and actions for retrofitting
also
incorporated.
d) Provision of seismic belts around door and window openings.
e) Rapid visual screening method along with RVS survey forms for
masonry buildings for seismic hazards evaluation has been
incorporated.
ISS 6922:1973 Criteria for Safety and Design of Structures
Subject to Underground Blasts
This standard deals with the safety of structures during underground
blasting and is applicable to normal structures like buildings, elevated
structures, bridges, retaining walls, concrete and masonry dams
constructed in materials like brickwork, stone masonry and concrete.
As underground blasting operations have become almost a must for
excavation purposes, this standard lays down criteria for safety of such
structures from cracking and also specifies the effective accelerations for
their design in certain cases.
IS 4991:1968 Criteria for Blast Resistant Design of Structures for
Explosions Above Ground
This standard covers the criteria for design of structures for blast effects
of explosions above ground excluding blast effects of nuclear explosions.
IS 4967:1968 Recommendations for
for River Valley Projects

Seismic

Instrumentation

This standard covers recommendations for instrumentation for

investigation of seismicity, study of micro tremors and predominant period
of a dam site and permanent installation of instruments in the dam and
appurtenant structures and in surrounding areas.
These standards endeavour to provide a guideline in designing
and repairing of buildings under seismic forces.

BASIC ELEMENTS OF EARTHQUAKE RESISTANT DESIGN

Structures on the earth are generally subjected to load of two types static
and dynamic. Static loads are constant with time while dynamic loads are
time varying. The majority of civil engineering structures are designed
with assumptions that all applied loads are static. The effect of dynamic
loads is not considered because the structure is rarely subjected to
dynamic loads; more so, its consideration in analysis makes the solution
more complicated and time consuming. This feature of neglecting the
dynamic forces may some times become the cause of disaster,
particularly in the case of earthquake. There is a growing interest in the
process of designing civil engineering structures capable to withstand
dynamic loads, particularly, earthquake induced load.

The dynamic force may be an earthquake force resulting from rapid

movement along the plane of faults within earths crust. This sudden
movement of fault releases great energy in the form of seismic waves,
which are transmitted to the structures through their foundations, and
cause to set the structure in motion. These motions are complex in nature
and induce abrupt horizontal and vertical oscillations in structures, which
result accelerations, velocities and displacements in the structure. The
induced accelerations generate inertial forces in the structure, which are
proportional to the acceleration of the mass and acting opposite to the
ground motion.

The energy produced in the structure by the ground motion is dissipated

through internal friction within the structural and non-structural members.
This dissipation if energy is called damping. The structures always posses
some intrinsic damping, which diminishes with time once the seismic
excitation stops. These dissipative or damping forces are represented by
viscous damping forces, which are proportional to the velocity induced in
the structure. The constant of proportionality is called as linear viscous
damping. The resisting force in the structures is proportional to the
deformation induced in the structure during the seismic excitation. The
constant of proportionality is referred to as stiffness of structure. Stiffness
greatly affects the structures uptake of earthquake generated forces. On
the basis of stiffness the structure may be classified as brittle or ductile.
Brittle structure having greater stiffness proves to be less durable during
earthquake while ductile structure performs well in earthquakes.This
behavior of structure evokes an additional desirable characteristic called
ductility. Ductility is the ability of structure to undergo distortion or
deformation without damage or failure.
The basic equation of static equilibrium under displacement method of
analysis is given by
F(ext) = ky
Where, F(ext) is the external applied static force, k is the stiffness
resistance, and y is the resulting displacement. The restoring force (ky)
resists the applied force, F(ext).
Now, if the applied static force changes to dynamic force or time varying
force the equation of static equilibrium becomes one of the dynamic
equilibrium and has the form
F(t) = my(t) + cy(t) + k(t)y(t)
Where,

my(t) = inertia forces acting in a direction opposite to that of seismic

motion applied to the base of the structure, whose magnitude is the mass
of the structure times its acceleration, m is the mass (kg) and y(t) is the
acceleration (m/sec2). Inertia forces are the most significant which
depend upon the characteristic of the ground motion and the structural
characteristics of structure. The basis characteristic of the structure and
ground is its fundamental or natural period.
The fundamental periods of structures may range from 0.05 sec for a well
anchored piece of equipment, 0.1 for a one storey frame, and 0.5 for a low
structure up to 4 storeys and between 1 to 2 seconds for a tall building of
20 storeys.
Natural periods of ground are usually in the range of 0.5 to 1 sec so that it
is possible for the building and ground to have the same fundamental
period and therefore, there is high probability for the structure to
approach a state of partial resonance called as quasi resonance. Hence, in
developing a design strategy for a building, it is desirable to estimate the
fundamental periods both of the structure and of the site so that a
comparison can be made to see the existence of the probability of quasi
resonance.
Cy(t) = damping force acting in a direction opposite to that of the seismic
motion, c is the damping co-efficient (N sec/m) and y(t) the velocity
(m/sec). The value of damping in a structure depends on its components.
The damping effect is expressed as a percentage of the critical damping
which is the greatest damping value that allows vibratory moment to
develop. The degrees of damping in common types of structures are
reinforced concrete 5 to 10%, metal frame 1 to 5%, and masonry 8 to 15%
k(t)y(t) = restoring force k(t) is the stiffness (N/m) or resistance is a
function of the yield condition in the structure which is in turn a function of
time. y(t) is the displacement in meters. F(t) is the externally applied force
(N).

The equation above is a second order differential equation that needs to

be solved for the displacement y(t). The number of displacement
components required specifying the position of mass points is called the
number of degrees of freedom to obtain an adequate solution. For some
structures, single degree of freedom may be sufficient where as for others
several hundred degrees of freedom may be required.

SALIENT FEATURES OF IS:13920 - 1993.

CODE OF PRACTICE FOR DUCTILE DETAILING OF RC STRUCTURES
SUBJECTED TO SEISMIC FORCES.

COLUMN DESIGN:
( Actual program is available in
SR

Super Civil CD )

DESCRIPTION

Ductile detailing is a must for structures in Zone IV & V. However it should also
be followed in zone III, when Importance factor is > 1.0 OR
Structure is > 5.0 Storey high OR the structure is industrial in nature.

If the factored axial stress under seismic loads are < 0.1 fck, than ductile
detailing requirements are not applicable.

B/D > 0.40 preferably.

Width should not be < 200 MM for span of framing beams up to 5.0 M OR
effective height of column up to 4.0 M, else it should be 300 MM.

Lap splice shall only be allowed in central half of column length. All splice shall
have Ld in tension.

Links shall be provided over the entire splice length at spacing not>150 MM.

Not more than 50 % of bars to be spliced at one section.

Spacing of main longitudinal bars shall not > than 300 MM. Each bar shall have
cross tie.

All links shall be closed type, having a 135 hook with a 10 extension, but
not less than 75 mm at each end.

10

Special confining reinforcement (SCR) requirements be met with, unless a

larger amount of (links) transverse reinforcement is required from shear
strength consideration.

11

The length of (SCR) shall not be less than the following.

Maximum lateral column dimension.
1 6 of clear column span (height).
450 MM.

12

The length of (SCR) shall be at least 300 MM in foundations.

13

When the point of contra-flexure is not within middle half of column

than (SCR)shall be provided for full column height.

14

In case of column/shear wall discontinuity (SCR) shall be provided for full

height, also it should extend Ld in to the discontinuity.

15

The spacing of (SCR) shall not be more than the following.

1/4 of least column dimension.
100 MM.
However it shall not be < 75 MM.

16

Elsewhere the spacing of LINKS shall not < 1/2 of least column dimension.

17

Link spacing shall not be > 300 MM OR 16 . { As per IS-456-2000 }.

18

The minimum area of link bar shall be :

ASH = 0.18 * SP*H*FCK/FY {AG/AK -1.0}
SP : SPACING OF LINKS.
H : MAXIMUM SPACING OF LONGITUDINAL BAR.
AG : GROSS AREA.
AK = CONCRETE CONFINED CORE AREA.

19

All joints shall have (SCR) & ASH as mentioned above. However only 50 % of
ASH along with (SCR) spacing of 150 MM can be provided in following case.
Column having beams from all 4 sides &
Beam width > 3/4 Column width.