In order to find optimum design parameters in earthquake engineering, an objective function is optimized. This function comprises the initial cost of a structure and the cost due to the damage of earthquakes. Intangible losses may be included in the latter, such as how much society is willing to invest to preserve a human life. In this paper, the expression of the objective function is developed in terms of the seismic design coefficient, and the aforementioned intangible loss is calculated from both the individual point of view and that of society. The calculation of the intangible is based on utility curves. Finally, optimum seismic design coefficients are calculated for a firm ground site.
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