Seismic vulnerability assessment of tilt-up concrete structures

Abstract

This paper focuses on seismic vulnerability assessment for one-story tilt-up concrete structures. To capture the potential failure mechanisms, an analytical modelling approach using nonlinear properties is developed and verified with measured data from a shake table test documented in the literature. Nonlinear dynamic analyses using synthetic ground motions for Memphis, Tennessee, are performed to assess dynamic behaviour of the buildings. Then, probabilistic demand models for multiple limit states that represent potential failure mechanisms are developed with a Bayesian updating approach. These demand models are used in conjunction with appropriate capacity limits to develop fragility curves that provide a probabilistic measure of the seismic vulnerability of typical tilt-up concrete buildings. This study shows that the vulnerability of typical tilt-up structures in Mid-America is significant when seismic hazards are high. In addition, it is found that the aspect ratio of building geometry has a significant impact on the seismic performance and fragility estimates of tilt-up buildings.