Fuzzy inference system model for the spectrum characteristic periods of the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (2007)

Abstract

Seismic design codes define response spectra with crisp numerical classifications of seismic parameters, which mainly affect the spectrum's shape and determination of seismic design loads. The efficiency of structural safety and construction costs depends on the optimum design and accurately determined seismic forces. As presented in the seismic design codes, several parameters are utilized to calculate the seismic design forces with response spectra. This study proposes a rule-based fuzzy inference system (FIS) model with fuzzy set numbers to determine the relevant parameters. By defining the soil profile thickness and shear wave velocity as inputs, the model generates the spectrum characteristic periods specified in the Türkiye Building Earthquake Code (TBEC 2007). The response spectra of twenty different samples with the FIS and crisp models were generated and compared to assess the model's superiority. Unlike crisp seismic code classifications, the proposed FIS model accounts for imperfections in soil group selection and topmost soil layer thickness, offering a more realistic representation of uncertainties and proving to be an effective tool for addressing linguistic vagueness in seismic response spectra analysis. The comparison between fuzzy and crisp output seismic parameters revealed significant differences in response spectra shape and spectrum intensity values. The FIS model-generated spectra were more conservative in certain building locations, while in others, they provided similar or lower values, suggesting potential cost savings in design. The FIS model demonstrates its efficacy in producing more accurate and robust designs by considering the uncertainties inherent in the problem. Furthermore, this approach has the potential to be extended to study seismic parameters of other design codes, although further research is required to comprehensively explore its capabilities and limitations.