Romanian Seismic Design Code: Benchmarking Analyses with Reference to International Codes and Research Needs for Future Development

The paper presents conclusions from a technical benchmarking study, performed in order to analyze the performance of the provisions concerning seismic design of reinforced concrete frame structures, as specified by the Romanian seismic code (P100-1/2006). The Romanian code is analyzed with respect to the European standard EN 1998-1:2004, including its National Annex, and with the U. S. codes IBC 2009 and ACI 318 08. The benchmarking analyses were performed by designing a standard reinforced concrete structure according to each of the considered codes and by evaluating the seismic behavior of the structural designs thus obtained. Comparative assessments are made, as well as suggestions concerning potential future research directions, aimed to the improvement of the Romanian provisions in the field.