The Review of Algerian Building Seismic Code(RPA) in Seven Points Compared to American and European Codes

Abstract

The first Algerian seismic code named "Règles Parasismiques Algériennes" (RPA, 1981) was established after the terrible 1980 Chlef earthquake (M 7.3), which caused a great disaster. Since this catastrophic event a continually reviewed versions, in particular after the 2003 Boumerdes earthquake (M 6.8) which caused an immense hazardous loss in human lives and construction damages (2000 seath) persons killed). This harmful event urged on to a serious review leading to the last and present version of such standard earthquake (RPA, 2003) with fundamental modifications concerning many important fields. The points revealed in the present review research study are the classification of sites, design methods, design spectrum, ductility concept, behavior factor, self-steady structures and dual systems (frames and walls). The outcome of the study here in is summarized as a brief review that could be a contribution to enrich the Algerian seismic regulation (RPA) with a focus on these seven important points selected as they seem to present some anomalies or deficiencies detected and treated on the basis of two main parameters. Firstly, we consider the damage observed after the 2003 Boumerdes earthquake; later in the second step, a comparison is made with other codes practiced over the world alike the European EC8 or the American Uniform Building Code, 1994 (UBC 94) or the 2000 NEHRP Provisions.