Abstract
Reinforced concrete (RC) with masonry infill is one of the most common structural typologies in Nepal, especially in the Kathmandu Valley. Masonry infills are typically made of solid clay bricks produced locally in Nepal. This study aims to calibrate the spectral-based analytical method, namely, FAST, for Nepalese RC-infilled buildings. The FAST method has been initially conceived for Southern European RC buildings with hollow clay brick infills. The calibration is achieved by reviewing code prescriptions and construction practices for RC masonry infills in Nepal and updating the FAST method. The variables of FAST method are calibrated using different information sources and a Bayesian updating procedure to consider the global and local material properties for solid clay bricks. The FAST-NEPAL method obtained is then verified, considering a single school design, for which a detailed state-of-the-art vulnerability assessment is available. Being particularly suitable for large-scale assessment, the method is further validated using data from Ward-35 of Kathmandu Metropolitan City (in the vicinity of Tribhuvan International Airport) obtained from photographic documentation included in a geo-referenced database of buildings collected after the 2015 Nepal earthquake and prepared for census purposes. The comparisons show that the FAST-NEPAL method can be conservative relative to the other data sources for vulnerability and is more accurate at capturing low-level damage. This makes the approach suitable for large-scale preliminary assessment of vulnerability for prioritisation purposes.
Highlights
In the aftermath of an earthquake event, the speed and efficiency of the first responders are paramount in minimising the loss of human lives
The results show that FAST-NEPAL provides fragility curves that are located in the correct relative positions with respect to those of the detailed study by Cross et al (2020), providing preliminary support to the modifications made to assess the Nepalese reinforced concrete (RC)-infilled buildings
The spectral-based FAST method is modified for the regional case of Nepal
Summary
In the aftermath of an earthquake event, the speed and efficiency of the first responders are paramount in minimising the loss of human lives. Authorities should evaluate how vulnerable the infrastructure and residential areas are to seismic events. This can benefit the postearthquake phase and the preparedness and prevention before seismic events (e.g., Erdik and Fahjan, 2008). This ability is crucial for the developing countries that are more vulnerable to natural disasters due to the limited resources deployed in the aftermath. Seismic vulnerability methods for large-scale risk assessment are essential because they allow the determination of the areas at greatest risk and help assess which areas are most in need of interventions (e.g., World Bank Group, 2016).
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
