Cross‐level fragility analysis of modularized suspended buildings based on experimentally validated numerical models

Abstract

SummarySuspended buildings typically have a core as the primary and suspended floors as the secondary structures. These configurations offer visual transparency, smaller vertical components, and seismic attenuation via the primary–secondary structure interaction. Such attenuation is further enhanced by the modularization of the suspended segment which allows large drifts but prevents them from causing damage. Previously conducted shake‐table tests have confirmed these features. However, how the component performance contributes to system performance has not been quantitated. To address this gap, fragility analyses are conducted for 10‐story experimentally validated models with optimized supplemental dampers and inter‐module stiffness. Multiple limit state functions are proposed to provide a full account of damage sources. Additionally, a mapping rule from the component‐level to the system‐level limit states is developed which captures the influence of damage distribution on system‐level limit states. Results for the uncontrolled suspended building indicate that for the PGV of 0.5 m/s, the failure probabilities of the repairable and life safety limit states are 97% and 83%, respectively. These probabilities are 92% and 27% for the frame structure with viscous dampers, 58% and 5% for the passive‐controlled modularized suspended building system (MSBS), and 45% and 3% for MSBS with optimal vertical distributions of modularized secondary structure.