Seismic Zone and Importance

Factor

Reporter: Ludwig Vincent Paul O. Sagarino

 Definition

Seismic Zone
- is an area where the rate of seismic activity remains fairly consistent. This may
mean that seismic activity is very rare, or that is very common.
- Also preferred to be called seismic hazard zone when discussing areas where
seismic activity is more common.
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.

SEISMIC ZONE FACTOR

ZONE 2 4

Z 0.20 0.40
Seismic Source types
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 (PHIVOLCS)
IMPORTANCE
FACTOR
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
important factors, I and Ip, and structural observation
requirements for each category.