IS 1893:2002 Part 1 is the Indian Standard (BIS) for criteria for earthquake resistant design of structures - general provisions and buildings. This code specifies the criteria and general principles for the earthquake-resistant design of structures, with a specific focus on buildings. It details the calculation of seismic base shear, categorization of seismic zones in India, and establishes requirements for static and dynamic analysis to ensure structural safety.
Provides criteria for earthquake resistant design of buildings and structures, including general principles, design loads, and detailing requirements (older version).
Quick Reference — IS 1893 Part 1:2002 Seismic (legacy)
Earthquake-resistant design of buildings — 5th revision. Zone factors, response reduction, importance, soil types.
| Reference | Value | Clause |
|---|
| Number of seismic zones | 4 (II, III, IV, V) | Cl. 4.1.1 |
| Zone factor Z — Zone II (low) | 0.10 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 2) |
| Zone factor Z — Zone III | 0.16 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 2) |
| Zone factor Z — Zone IV | 0.24 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 2) |
| Zone factor Z — Zone V (very severe) | 0.36 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 2) |
| Importance factor I — ordinary buildings | 1.0 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 6) |
| Importance factor I — important (hospitals/schools) | 1.5 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 6) |
| Response reduction R — SMRF | 5.0 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 7) |
| Response reduction R — OMRF | 3.0 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 7) |
| Response reduction R — RC shear walls (ductile) | 4.0 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 7) |
| Response reduction R — RC frame + shear wall (dual) | 5.0 | Cl. 6.4.2 (Table 7) |
| Damping ratio (RCC) | 5 % | Cl. 7.8.2.1 |
| Fundamental period (bare RC frame)— h in metres | T = 0.075 × h^0.75 | Cl. 7.6.2 (a) |
| Fundamental period (steel frame) | T = 0.085 × h^0.75 | Cl. 7.6.2 (a) |
| Live load on seismic mass — < 3 kN/m² | 25 % LL | Cl. 7.3.1 (Table 8) |
| Live load on seismic mass — ≥ 3 kN/m² | 50 % LL | Cl. 7.3.1 (Table 8) |
| Storey drift limit — design earthquake— 2016 unchanged | 0.004 × storey height | Cl. 7.11.1 |
| Soft-storey amplification — design force | × 2.5 on columns + beams | Cl. 7.10.3 (a) |
| Soil type I (rock / hard) | Sa/g plateau 0.10–0.40 s | Cl. 6.4.5 (Fig. 2) |
| Soil type II (medium soil) | Sa/g plateau 0.10–0.55 s | Cl. 6.4.5 (Fig. 2) |
| Soil type III (soft soil) | Sa/g plateau 0.10–0.67 s | Cl. 6.4.5 (Fig. 2) |
| Plateau Sa/g (5 % damping) | 2.5 (all soils) | Cl. 6.4.5 (Fig. 2) |
⚠ Superseded by IS 1893 Part 1:2016. Not for new design — legacy assessment only. The 2016 edition tightened drift limits, soft-storey rules, and added explicit liquefaction provisions.
Overview
- Status
- Superseded — superseded by IS 1893 (Part 1):2016
- Usage level
- Essential
- Domain
- Structural Engineering — Disaster Resilience and Retrofitting
- Type
- Code of Practice
- Amendments
- Amendment 1 (2008)
Also on InfraLens for IS 1893
BIM-relevant code. See the BIM Hub for ISO 19650, IFC, and LOD/LOIN frameworks used alongside it.
Practical Notes
! If the base shear calculated by dynamic analysis is less than the base shear calculated by the equivalent static method, the dynamic analysis base shear and associated forces must be scaled up.
! Storey drift must be evaluated using a partial safety factor of 1.0 for all load cases.
! The stiffness of masonry infill walls should be properly accounted for in the structural model unless they are explicitly separated from the frame.
Frequently referenced clauses
Updates & Amendments1 amendment
Consolidated list per BIS. For the text of each amendment, refer to the BIS portal link above.
reinforced concretesteelmasonrytimber
International Equivalents
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International Comparison — Coming Soon
We're adding equivalent international standards for this code.
Key Values5
Quick Reference Values
maximum storey drift0.004 times the storey height
zone factor zone V0.36
importance factor hospitals schools1.5
response reduction factor SMRF5.0
response reduction factor OMRF3.0
Key Formulas
Ah = (Z/2) * (I/R) * (Sa/g) — Design horizontal seismic coefficient
Vb = Ah * W — Design seismic base shear
Ta = 0.075 * h^0.75 — Approximate fundamental natural period for RC frame building without brick infill
Tables & Referenced Sections
Key Tables
Table 2 - Zone Factor (Z)
Table 6 - Importance Factor (I)
Table 7 - Response Reduction Factor (R)
Key Clauses
Clause 6 - Design General Principles
Clause 7.5 - Design Seismic Base Shear
Clause 7.8 - Dynamic Analysis
Clause 7.11 - Storey Drift Limitation
Frequently Asked Questions3
How many seismic zones does India have according to this code?+
Four zones (II, III, IV, and V). Zone I from the earlier code was merged into Zone II.
What is the maximum permissible storey drift?+
0.004 times the storey height under design earthquake load (Clause 7.11.1).
When is dynamic analysis mandatory?+
For regular buildings over 40m in Zones IV and V, over 90m in Zones II and III, and for all irregular buildings taller than 12m in Zones IV and V (Clause 7.8.1).
QA/QC Inspection Templates
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QA/QC templates coming soon for this code.