The 'International Building Code' (IBC) and IS codes classify building sites for seismic design based on:
Choose the correct answer
Building height and number of floors
Shear wave velocity Vs,30 (or SPT N-value) in top 30 m — softer soil = higher amplification = more stringent seismic design
Rainfall intensity at the site
Distance from city centre
Correct Answer
B. Shear wave velocity Vs,30 (or SPT N-value) in top 30 m — softer soil = higher amplification = more stringent seismic design
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Site classification for seismic design: based on average Vs,30 (shear wave velocity in top 30 m) or SPT N-value: Rock (SA): Vs > 760 m/s; Hard soil (SB): 360–760; Medium (SC): 180–360; Soft (SD): < 180 m/s (IS 1893 Table 1 similar). Soft soils amplify ground motion (site amplification). SS (soft soil)/S1 (liquefiable) sites require special analysis. IS 1893 uses soil type I, II, III (similar principle).
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