Regional seismic risk in British Columbia — classification of buildings and development of damage probability functions

Abstract

Regional seismic risk estimations are needed in southwestern British Columbia, since it is one of the most seismically active and highly populated regions in Canada. Regional estimations typically involve a large number of buildings, which makes it necessary to establish a building classification system, where the average response to earthquake shaking is assumed to be similar within each building class. In this study, buildings in British Columbia were divided into 31 classes based on their material, lateral load bearing system, height, use, and age. A damage probability matrix (DPM) was then developed for each building class which describes the probability of being in a certain damage level (i.e., light, moderate, heavy, etc.) given the ground shaking intensity. Next, a probability distribution function was fit to the discrete probability values at each intensity level. The products of this study, the building classification system, the DPMs, and the probability distribution functions will allow regional damage and loss estimations in the area.Key words: seismic risk, vulnerability, building classification, structural system, building response, damage, probability.