Comparative Analysis of ASCE 41-2017 and IS 15988-2013 for Seismic Evaluation and Strengthening of Existing Reinforced Concrete Buildings

India is currently experiencing an infrastructural boost and is in the midst of building many new structures as well as upgrading the existing ones. The upgradation of the existing structural systems generally involves changes due to new codal provisions, change of use, addition of excess loads due to installation of new components, et cetera. Following modifications, structure might not be able to meet code specified requirements. In the earthquake prone regions in India, these vulnerabilities call for the evaluation and subsequent strengthening. This study involves the comparison of provisions made for seismic evaluation and strengthening of the reinforced concrete buildings in ASCE-41(2017) and IS 15988 (2013). Both the codes provide methodology for identification of the deficiencies in the buildings. In case of IS 15988, the evaluation is limited and is unable to provide any decisive outcome and further suggest appropriate retrofit method. Whereas ASCE-41 has a systematic tier-wise methodology with increasing order evaluation and identify need for strengthening. This paper involves the review and comparison of the evaluation techniques outlined in ASCE 41 and IS 15988. In addition to comparison, this article also involves a case study performed on actual building based on ASCE-41 evaluation. This comparative analysis aims to bridge the gaps in the present IS 15988 and ASCE-41 and suggest the improvements which can be incorporated in subsequent versions of IS 15988.