The NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings And Other Structures presents the minimum recommended requirements necessary for the design and construction of new buildings and other structures to resist earthquake ground motions throughout the United States. The intent of these provisions is to provide reasonable assurance of seismic performance that will:
- Avoid serious injury and life loss,
- Avoid loss of function in critical facilities, and
- Minimize structural and nonstructural repair costs where practical to do so.
These objectives are addressed by seeking to avoid structural collapse in very rare, extreme ground shaking and by seeking to provide reasonable control of damage to structural and nonstructural systems that could lead to injury and economic or functionality losses for more moderate and frequent ground shaking. These design requirements include minimum lateral strength and stiffness for structural systems and guidance for anchoring, bracing, and accommodation of structural drift for nonstructural systems.