OVERVIEW OF PERFORMANCE-BASED DESIGN PRACTICE FOR

TALL BUILDINGS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Gerald O. De Los Reyes

Structural Design Engineer, Performance-Based Design Department, Sy^2 + Associates, Inc.

ABSTRACT: Structural design in the Philippines is predominantly code-based design approach based on
the National Structural Code of the Philippines (NSCP 2015). Because of the unavailability of a spectral
map, the seismic provisions are still based on the Uniform Building Code (UBC 1997) which primarily
depend on seismic zoning, site characteristics, occupancy, configuration, structural system and height.
However, majority of the current design of tall buildings does not fall within the limited structural systems
in the code. Therefore, an alternative approach in design is imperative to accurately predict building
responses during wind and seismic events.
Performance-Based Design (PBD) in the Philippines is relatively new. It invokes the provision of the NSCP
for alternative analysis procedures that is intended to provide seismic performance capability at least equal
to that of the code by satisfying multiple performance objectives.
This paper will present the overview of PBD practice in the Philippines and how it is being carried out. A
number of local design projects using this approach will likewise be presented and the results will be
compared to code-based design approach.

KEYWORDS: Performance-Based Design, Service Level Earthquake, Design Basis Earthquake,

Maximum Considered Earthquake, Nonlinear Time History Analysis

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Gerald O. De Los Reyes is a member of the Performance-Based Design Department of Sy^2 + Associates,
Inc. located at the Sy^2 Campus, 9801 Kamagong St. corner Baticulin St., San Antonio Village, Makati
City. He obtained his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree as magna cum laude from the
Technological University of the Philippines in 2015. He may be contacted at 09175811787 and at
gdelosreyes@sysquared.com.