A Review: Cost Analysis of RC Buildings in Differ-ent Seismic Zones

Seismic zone variations across India from [Zone II to V], significantly influence RC building costs through base shear amplification, member reinforcement increases and ductility detailing requirements per IS 1893:2016 with Zone V structures costing 25 to 40% more than Zone II equivalents for identical G+10 configurations. This review synthesizes 20 studies (2015 to 2025) analysing cost implications of seismic coefficients (Z=0.10 to 0.36), response reduction factors (R=3 to 5) and importance factors (I=1.0 to 1.5) across building heights, materials (M25 to M40) and analysis methods (ETABS static/RSM). Zone III to IV transitions add 15 to 25% to concrete/rebar volumes; soft storey irregularities amplify costs 20 to 30% through stiffness upgrades. Quantity estimation reveals 12 to 18% steel increase per zone increment, while P-Delta effects in tall buildings add 8 to 12% to lateral systems. Findings establish cost-index relationships (₹/sqm vs Z-factor) enabling economic Zone V design through optimized R-factors and regular geometry. Gaps identified include lifecycle costing, hybrid material optimizations and Zone V field validations.