New Seismic Parameters for Building Code of Pakistan and Their Effect on Existing Reinforced Concrete Buildings: A Case Study (Report‪)‬

Byline: M. B. Sharif, A. U. Qazi, M.Ilyas and N. Mohsin - Email: burhansharif@uet.edu.pk ABSTRACT: The large scale devastation caused by the earthquake of October 08, 2005 in Northern Pakistan and Azad Jammu and Kashmir has raised several questions on the adequacy of the present design and construction practice in the country. Realizing the gravity of the situation, the Government of Pakistan appointed a Committee of technical experts and Government Officials to supervise and provide guidance for revision/updating of Building Code of Pakistan, to suggest modifications to the present codes of practice and to particularly incorporate the recommendations for earthquake resistant design of buildings. Therefore, It is important to check the adequacy of existing structures especially in high seismic risk zones according to revised seismic parameters. The National Insurance Complex Limited (NICL) Building, Jinnah Avenue, Blue Area Islamabad is selected for study. It was constructed in 1994.