Recommended seismic performance requirements for building structures in Hong Kong

This paper provides recommendations for setting performance requirements for the seismic design of building structures in Hong Kong. Fundamental issues relating to the required level of structural safety will be addressed, which is then followed with a recommended seismic action model for structural design purposes in Hong Kong. The choice of suitable performance criteria of structures and the return period of the design seismic actions are first discussed. The development of the seismic hazard model for Hong Kong is then reviewed. The determination of the design response spectrum and the choice of design parameters for structures of different importance classes will also be presented.