A Toolkit for Performing FEMA P-695 Evaluations

Abstract

The FEMA P-695 Methodology offers a procedure for evaluating the collapse performance of seismic force resisting systems. The Methodology is necessarily complex and analysis-intensive. To manage collapse evaluation data and expedite nonlinear dynamic analyses, a Toolkit was created that streamlines the process using seven graphical user interface modules. The modules step the user through the FEMA P-695 process, culminating in a summary table of the evaluation results. The Toolkit is beneficial for engineers with varying levels of familiarity with the FEMA P-695 process. For those familiar with the process, the Toolkit provides a simple procedure for organizing performance group data and evaluation results while reducing the risk of errors. It also acts as an educational tool for stepping new users through the intricacies of the process. The Toolkit is demonstrated using an example performance group of special reinforced masonry shear wall buildings.