What is Building Seismic Assessment?

Seismic assessment of buildings in the construction inspection industry is a professional service that evaluates the safety and seismic resistance of existing buildings under seismic action, determines whether they meet current seismic design requirements, and provides a scientific basis for reinforcement and renovation. It is usually divided into two levels (macro-structural assessment and seismic calculation), involving data collection, on-site inspection, damage assessment, and performance analysis. It is applicable to old buildings, renovated and expanded buildings, post-disaster buildings, and situations requiring improved seismic design standards. The core objective is to ensure life safety and property safety.

Assessment Objectives and Scope of Application

• Objective: To assess the seismic performance of buildings and provide reinforcement suggestions for buildings that do not meet the standards.

• Applicable to: Buildings approaching their design lifespan, buildings with no or insufficient seismic design in the original design, buildings with changed uses, continuation projects, and post-disaster buildings.

Assessment Content

• Data collection: Survey reports, design drawings, usage history, etc.

• On-site inspection: Damage to foundations, main structure, and enclosure structure; measurement of tilt and settlement.

• Structural analysis: Investigation of structural characteristics and seismic measures, verification of seismic bearing capacity, and model building for calculation.

• Comprehensive evaluation: Evaluation based on national standards (such as the "Standard for Seismic Appraisal of Buildings" GB50023).

Assessment Methods (Levels)

• Level 1 (Macro-control): Primarily based on macroscopic inspection and structural assessment to determine whether the structural layout and seismic measures meet basic requirements.

• Level 2 (Seismic Calculation): If Level 1 is not met, a detailed seismic capacity calculation is performed, combined with the comprehensive evaluation of structural effects.

Assessment Results and Treatment Suggestions

• Evaluation: Divided into "meeting assessment requirements" and "not meeting assessment requirements".

• Treatment: For buildings that do not meet the requirements, suggestions for seismic reinforcement measures should be provided, or use should be stopped or load limited.

Technological Development

• Modern technologies (drones, laser scanning, BIM) and intelligent methods have improved inspection efficiency and accuracy.

In summary, seismic assessment of buildings is an important part of the construction inspection industry and a crucial means of ensuring the safety of existing buildings during earthquakes.