Seismic damage indices for RC buildings: evaluation of concepts and procedures

This review clarifies the basic concepts involved in defining seismic damage indices for reinforced concrete buildings, and critically reviews the different schemes for classifying these indices. Typical examples are given for each class of indices, with emphasis on more recent studies. The available analytical procedures for the determination of damage indices are evaluated and the associated problems discussed. A brief reference is also made to empirical procedures for damage assessment. The most commonly used damage indices are evaluated in quantitative terms, using data from very recent comparative studies. Finally, conclusions are drawn, focusing on the practical use of these indices, and some directions for future research efforts are identified.