In this paper, an earthquake response analysis model which appropriately evaluates actual seismic performance of low-rise reinforced concrete school buildings based on seismic performance indices is proposed. Damage ratios of buildings during the 1995 Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake are calculated using this model and observed seismic ground motions. As a result, the relationships between an index of seismic ground motion and calculated damage ratio of buildings show good agreement with vulnerability function based on actual damage data of buildings in Hyogo-ken Nanbu earthquake. In addition, it is pointed out that damage ratio of buildings could be overestimated, if load carrying capacity which has not been considered in the seismic design is not properly evaluated.
