A philosophy of seismic zoning

Abstract

Seismic zoning involves both economic questions, and questions of public safety. If it is accepted that the latter are more important, little justification for differing structural codes in different parts of New Zealand can be found. Consideration of the economic importance of the varying incidence of smaller earthquakes is hampered by the absence of properly costed engineering studies. Microzoning and the study of foundation conditions are of high importance.