A Comparison Between PDEM-Based Approach and Linear-Regression-Based Approach in Seismic Fragility Assessment: Application into Low-Rise Frame Buildings

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, a comparison between probability density evolution method (PDEM)-based approach and linear-regression-based approach in seismic fragility assessment is performed, and an application into low-rise frame building is conducted for implementation. The principles of the two fragility approaches are introduced first. The PDEM-based fragility approach has solid foundations in the reliability field and is expressed as a non-parametric form without predefined fragility shapes, while the linear-regression-based fragility approach is expressed as a classic parametric form, commonly under the assumption of lognormal distributions. Then a 3-span-4-storey reinforced concrete frame (RCF) building, which represents the existing buildings with large quantities in China, is used for seismic assessment by the two approaches. In general, the application shows the similar tendency of fragility curves for the two methods, and verifies the effectiveness of the non-parametric PDEM-based approach for seismic performance assessment. Comparatively, the PDEM-based approach omits the heavy computing burden as Monte Carlo simulation, and reflects the fragility characteristics with considerable accuracy as linear-regression-based approach, which turns on a new path for the fragility assessment scheme in the performance-based earthquake engineering.KeywordsSeismic fragilityEarthquake engineeringPerformance assessmentProbability analysisReinforced concrete framesPdem