Evolution of national codes for the design of RC structures in Romania

This study presents an overview of the design of reinforced concrete (RC) structures (moment frames, shear walls and large panels) for Romania and the impact on seismic exposure and vulnerability within the context of the recent European Seismic Risk Model 2020 (ESRM20). The overview is focused on the design of structural elements for bending moment and shear force, as well as on the constructive and detailing requirements imposed by various codes. The design of RC structures in Romania over the past century involved the use of material- and element-oriented design codes, besides the seismic design code. In addition, economic constraints regarding the material (steel) consumption influenced considerably the design process. The observations made from various literature sources regarding the design and construction practice in Romania are used for a better understanding and evaluation of the seismic exposure and vulnerability. In addition, the key observations regarding the seismic behaviour of each particular structural type are also presented.