The New Zealand Loading Code sets earthquake design levels which are intended, amongst other factors, to reflect the manner in which seismic energy will be dissipated by a structure. In this paper the load levels prescribed for reinforced concrete structures unlikely to behave in a flexural ductile manner, are compared with the strength and behaviour of structures of similar type affected by 3 recent Japanese earthquakes. The adequacy of some of the provisions in the current loading and concrete code and modifications proposed for the design of these so called structures of limited ductility in a companion paper by L.M. Robinson are examined.