A Review of the Seismic Hazard Zonation: in National Building Codes in the Context of Eurocode 8

The Eurocodes, accompanied by their National Annexes with the Nationally Determined Parameters (NDP), are envisaged to form the basis for structural design in the European Union. Convergence of the NDP values, where relevant, is a desirable objective, as this will lead to better harmonization. In this direction, for Eurocode 8 a review of the provisions regarding seismic zonation in the current National Seismic Codes has been undertaken. Differences in the way of presenting the seismic hazard (ground acceleration or intensity, constant value zones, contours, etc.) are identified, as well as cross-border inconsistencies. However, an overall tendency emerges towards progressively adhering to EC8 recommendations.