Evaluation Of Seismic Vulnerability Research Articles

Problems in Predicting Seismic Responses of RC Buildings

A methodology to apply linear and nonlinear analysis rationally in the seismic design, vulnerability evaluation or upgrade design of RC buildings is presented. Some of the initial steps in this methodology are discussed and exemplified, while the remaining steps will be discussed in a separate paper. It is recommended to apply analysis to study in a step‐by‐step interactive manner the bounds of critical section, the critical element, and the complete structural response as a structure is loaded to failure under static load increments which are monotically and simultaneously applied in both lateral directions. This analysis procedure is assessed to be more rational than conducting time‐history analyses of detailed models. The reliability in the bounds of generated static response would naturally depend on perceiving and accurately modeling all the critical local and global mechanisms which influence response. Some of the parameters and mechanisms which significantly influenced the test response of idealized assemblies and building specimens are described. The influence of these parameters and mechanisms on element response bounds is illustrated.

Seismic vulnerability and risk evaluation for old urban nuclei

AbstractThe evaluation of the seismic damageability of existing buildings is a primary element in the planning for mitigation of earthquake effects. To this purpose, the use of the vulnerability index has been recently proposed and adopted in various surveys in Italy. The index results from grading the status of various structural and non‐structural components exposed to damage in a seismic event. The effectiveness of the vulnerability index as a measure of the health status of buildings is discussed on the basis of regional surveys of vulnerability index versus reported damage, carried out in various Italian areas such as Friuli and the city of Gubbio. Also, investigation of the items most effective in describing damageability among those contributing to the index is performed, in view of formulating a reduced survey procedure. A damage versus vulnerability index database collected in these surveys is presented as well. Finally, a vulnerability index based procedure to evaluate the expected damage in a territory is proposed.