Earthquake-Resistant Design Concepts: An Introduction to the NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures

One of the goals of the National Earthquake Hazards Reduction Program (NEHRP) is to encourage design and construction practices that address the earthquake hazard and minimize the resulting risk to life and property. The publication of FEMA P-749, a companion guide to the 2009 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Seismic Provisions for New Buildings and Other Structures (FEMA P-750), reaffirms FEMA’s ongoing commitment to achieving this goal. Understanding the basis for the seismic regulations in the nation’s building codes and standards is important to those outside the technical community including elected officials, decision-makers in the insurance and financial communities, and individual building or business owners and other concerned citizens. This document is intended to provide these interested individuals with a readily understandable explanation of the intent and requirements of seismic design in general and the Provisions in particular.