A Story-Based Random Structure Modeling Method for Regional Buildings Earthquake Loss Estimation

Abstract

To estimate earthquake losses for regional buildings, it is important to consider the varying seismic performances of different types of buildings. To achieve this, a dynamic elastic–plastic analysis based on detailed structural modeling is more accurate than the capacity spectrum method based on a single degree of freedom to obtain the response and damage of various structures under seismic activity and provide a more precise estimate of earthquake losses for buildings. Detailed information about the building facilities is necessary to create a fine structural model. However, obtaining precise actual structural details can be challenging with existing methods, especially when there are a large number of buildings to consider. This paper proposes a new method called story-based random structure (SBRS) modeling to address this issue, which is based on the common and reasonable layout of the structure. The process involves choosing design parameters that can represent the structural arrangement of a building as variables. These parameters include the materials’ type and strength, proportions, the components’ size, and other relevant factors. The values for these variables are determined based on engineering experience and design specifications. The range of values for these variables is also determined to ensure that all design requirements are met. Finally, the Latin Hypercubic Sampling (LHS) method is used to randomly sample and combine the variables, establishing a detailed structural model of the building with structural uncertainty. According to the results of the analysis, this method can simulate the structure and component information of a building by using a probabilistic approach, even without knowing the specific structural design. This method can be based on a small amount of readily available building information and solves the problem of the rapid and refined modeling of a large number of buildings at the regional scale. It also makes it possible to estimate the earthquake loss of regional buildings based on their seismic capacity.