The 2003 edition of the NEHRP Recommended Provisions contains several significant changes, including: a reformatting to improve its usability; introduction of a simplified design procedure, an updating of the seismic design maps and how they are presented; a modification in the redundancy factor; the addition of ultimate strength design provisions for foundations; the addition of several new structural systems, including buckling restrained braced frames and steel plate shear walls; structures with damping systems has been moved from an appendix to a new chapter; and inclusion of new or updated material industry reference standards for steel, concrete, masonry, and wood.

Chap. 1 sets forth the general require. for applying the analysis & design provisions contained in Chap. 2 through 12 of the Nat. Earthquake Hazards Reduction Prog. Recommended Provisions for Seismic Reg's. for New Bldgs. & Other Structures. It is similar to what might be incorporated in a code as administrative regulations. Also includes info. on: quality assurance; ground motion; structural design criteria; architectural, mechanical, & electrical components; seismically isolated structures; & design require. for foundation, steel structure, concrete structure, composite steel & concrete structure, masonry structure, wood structure, & non-building structures. Illustrated.

Provides the Federal Emergency Management Agency's Mitigation Directorate with 25 recommended tasks that should be undertaken through the agency's Existing Buildings Program (EBP) in the coming years. The EBP's expanded but continuing mission in seismic rehabilitation is to limit fatalities, life-threatening injuries, & property & economic losses from earthquakes by increasing the number of seismically resistant buildings in all areas of identified earthquake risk. Identifies 4 objectives & 25 tasks to help make our building stock less vulnerable to earthquake damage. Seeks to provide the continuity necessary for an effective Existing Buildings Program.

Acquaints users with typical problems unrelated to design and construction processes that might arise when planning or engaging in seismic rehab. projects and programs. Alerts readers to the difficulties inherent in implementing seismic rehab. recommendations. Emphasizes 2 basic user-oriented concepts. The first is a process that outlines a set of decision points so the user can determine whether seismic rehab. efforts are needed &, if so, their potential scope. The 2nd offers a simple "escalation ladder" to help users understand the degree of conflict inherent in and the implications of choosing what, if any, seismic rehab. strategies to follow.