Parameterized seismic life-cycle cost evaluation method for building structures

Abstract

A framework for seismic life-cycle cost (LCC) evaluation is proposed for low to mid-rise framed buildings based on structural fundamental response quantities such as stiffness, strength, and ductility. The LCC is calculated using simple formulas for a basic reference model (BRM) with assumed fundamental response quantities after it is transformed into an equivalent single degree of freedom (ESDOF) system. The pushover curves of the target structure and the BRM are compared and the difference in each response quantity is related to the LCC using the set of the prepared graphs. Then, the final LCC is calculated using the LCC of the BRM and the differences in LCC due to the difference in each response quantity. The effectiveness of the proposed method is verified through comparison with the results from a rigorous method based on nonlinear time history analysis. The results of the analysis turn out to show reasonable agreement with those obtained from the rigorous method, and it is concluded that the parameterized LCC proposed in this study is an easy and practical tool for estimating LCC using fundamental response quantities of low to mid-rise buildings.