ARCONCEL, APPLE M.
BSCE 4C
PROVISION OF SECTION 208 EARTHQUAKE LOADS OF NSCP 2015
1. 208.1 Purpose
The purpose of the succeeding earthquake provisions is primarily to design seismic-
resistant structures to safeguard against major structural damage that may lead to loss
of life and property. These provisions are not intended to assure zerodamage to
structures nor maintain their functionality after a severe earthquake.
2. 208.1.2 Minimum Seismic Design
Structures and portions thereof shall, as a minimum, be designed and constructed to
resist the effects of seismic ground motions as provided in this section.
3. 208.4.2 Occupancy Categories
For purposes of earthquake-resistant design, each structure shall be placed in one of the
occupancy categories listed in Table 103-1. Table 208-1 assigns importance factors, I and
Ip, and structural observation requirements for each category.
4. Table 208-1: Seismic Importance Factor
Soil Profile Types 𝑺𝑨, 𝑺𝑩, 𝑺𝑪, 𝑺𝑫 and 𝑺𝑬 are defined in Table 208-2 and Soil Profile
5. 208.4.3 Soil Profile Types
Type 𝑺𝑭 is defined as soils requiring site-specific evaluation as follows:
1. Soils vulnerable to potential failure or collapse under seismic loading, such as
liquefiable soils, quick and highly sensitive clays, and collapsible weakly cemented
soils.
2. Peats and/or highly organic clays, where the thickness of peat or highly organic clay
exceeds 3.0 m.
3. Very high plasticity clays with a plasticity index, PI > 75, where the depth of clay
exceeds 7.5 m.
4. Very thick soft/medium stiff clays, where the depth of clay exceeds 35.
5. The criteria set forth in the definition for Soil Profile Type requiring site-specific
evaluation shall be considered. If the site corresponds to these criteria, the site shall
be classified as Soil Profile Type and a site-specific evaluation shall be conducted.
6. [Link] Seismic Zone
The Philippine Archipelago is divided into two seismic zones only. Zone 2 covers the
provinces of Palawan (except Busuanga), Sulu and Tawi-Tawi while the rest of the
country is under Zone 4 as shown in Figure 208-1. Each structure shall be assigned a
seismic zone factor Z, in accordance with Table 208-3.
7. [Link] Seismic Source Type
Table 208-4 defines the types of seismic sources. The location and type of seismic
sources to be used for design shall be established based on approved geological data;
see Figure 208-2A. Type A sources shall be determined from Figure 208-2B, 2C, 2D, 2E or
the most recent mapping of active faults by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and
Seismology (PHIVOLCS).
8. [Link] Seismic Zone 4 Near-Source Factor
In Seismic Zone 4, each site shall be assigned near-source factors in accordance with
Tables 208-5 and 208-6 based on the Seismic Source Type as set forth in Section
[Link].
For high rise structures and essential facilities within 2.0 km of a major fault, a site
specific seismic elastic design response spectrum is recommended to be obtained for
the specific area.
9. Fault Map of the Philippines
10. Active Faults and Trenches in Region 2
11. 208.4.6 Structural Systems – Steel
12. 208.4.6 Structural Systems – Concrete
Section 208.1 Purpose
This provision establishes the goal of designing structures to resist earthquake
forces, prioritizing life safety and minimizing property damage. It provides a
foundation for creating resilient structures.
Purpose and Application: Provides a framework for engineers to design buildings
that protect life while accepting that some structural damage is inevitable during
strong earthquakes.
Section 208.1.2 Minimum Seismic Design
Sets the minimum design requirements for buildings to withstand earthquake-
induced forces, such as lateral loads. It ensures stability and safety regardless of
structural type.
Purpose and Application: Guides structural designs to accommodate expected
earthquake-induced forces based on location and building type.
Section 208.4.2 Occupancy Categories
Categorizes buildings based on their use and importance to determine their required
level of seismic resilience. Essential facilities like hospitals demand stricter safety
standards.
Purpose and Application: Allocates stricter seismic safety requirements to high-
priority structures like hospitals and schools, ensuring these remain operational after
earthquakes.
Section 208.4.3 Soil Profile Types
Defines soil types according to how they amplify seismic waves. This ensures
structural designs address the site's specific soil conditions for safety.
Purpose and Application: Requires site-specific soil assessments to incorporate
appropriate design modifications for stability and safety.
Section [Link] Seismic Zone
Divides regions into zones based on seismic hazard levels. Buildings in high-risk zones
are designed to resist stronger earthquake forces.
Purpose and Application: Guides the level of seismic design forces for buildings, with
higher requirements for structures in high-risk zones.
Section [Link] Seismic Source Type
Identifies the characteristics of seismic sources, such as fault proximity and activity.
Structures near active faults require enhanced designs.
Purpose and Application: Ensures appropriate design adjustments for buildings near
active faults, improving their seismic performance.
Section [Link] Seismic Zone 4 Near-Source Factor
Addresses increased design forces for buildings near active faults in Seismic Zone 4.
This ensures greater safety in high-risk areas.
Purpose and Application: Requires increased seismic loads for structures in close
proximity to faults to address amplified earthquake risks.
Section 208.4.6 Structural Systems - Concrete
Provides design standards for concrete buildings to withstand seismic forces. It
focuses on improving strength and ductility.
Purpose and Application: Enhances the strength, ductility, and durability of concrete
buildings to sustain seismic forces.
Section 208.4.6 Structural Systems - Steel
Specifies requirements for steel structures to maximize their seismic performance.
Steel's flexibility ensures resistance to earthquake forces.
Purpose and Application: Ensures steel buildings maintain structural integrity during
seismic events by utilizing their inherent ductility.