Risk-informed performance-based approach to building regulation

Performance-based building codes are being developed and promulgated around the world. Concurrently, performance-based analysis and design approaches are being used in a number of disciplines, including structural, mechanical, and fire protection engineering. The performance-based building regulatory and design environment promises great opportunities for engineers and designers to innovate and to apply analytical tools and methods to design safe, efficient, cost-effective, and aesthetically pleasing buildings. However, for regulators and enforcement officials, performance-based approaches are often met with skepticism and concern, as the desired performance is not always well defined and agreed, the perceived certainty associated with compliance with prescriptive design requirements is no longer assured, and there is concern that the data, tools, and methods -- necessary to assure that performance-based designed buildings achieve the levels of performance and risk deemed tolerable to society -- are lacking. To address these concerns, risk-informed performance-based approaches are being explored, with the aim to better identify and connect tolerable levels of risk, performance expectations, and design criteria for different aspects of building design. Risk-informed performance-based approaches being considered in Australia, New Zealand, and the USA are discussed.