Moderate to high levels of seismic hazard are present throughout the
Pakistan and numerous collapsed by Oct. 8, 2005 Earthquake verified the
seismic vulnerability of building type present in the country. Seismic
retrofitting of existing structures is one of the most effective methods
of reducing this risk. However, the seismic performance of the structure
may not be improved by retrofitting or rehabilitation unless the
engineer selects an appropriate intervention technique based on seismic
evaluation of the structure. Current codes (BCP 2007) do not address the
evaluation of seismic resistance of existing building stock, not
designed in accordance with the philosophies of current seismic
provisions. The primary purpose of this book is to carry seismic
evaluation of buildings in the capital city of Pakistan, Islamabad and
propose guidelines for Building Code of Pakistan. Owing to importance of
the subject, various organizations in the earthquake threatened
countries have come up with documents, which serve as guidelines for the
assessment of the strength, expected performance and safety of existing
buildings.