Operating basis earthquake (OBE)

The term 'Operating basis earthquake (OBE)' as it applies to the area of reclamation
can be defined as 'The earthquake that the structure must safely withstand with no
damage. All systems and components necessary to the uninterrupted functioning of
the project are designed to remain operable during the ground motions associated with
the OBE. This includes the dam, appurtenant structures, electrical and mechanical
equipment, relays, spillway gates, and valves. For most usage in Reclamation, the
OBE is specified to have a 90% probability of nonoccurrence in a 25-year-exposure
period. This is equivalent to a recurrence interval of 237 years. Economic
considerations for specific projects may lead to consideration of other values. The
earthquake(s) for which the structure is designed to resist and remain operational. It
reflects the level of earthquake protection desired for operational or economic reasons
and may be determined on a probabilistic basis considering the regional and local
geology and seismology

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