Fragility curves definition of existing reinforced concrete buildings designed for gravity loads

Abstract

Urban areas with a significant number of buildings designed without earthquake resistant concepts may undergo high losses following major earthquakes. However, an adequate design is the direct result of a comprehensive knowledge of the seismic hazard. In Italy, for example, the seismic zonation was completed in recent years, thus a significant number of buildings lack adequate lateral capacity. For this reason, preventive assessment of their vulnerability and expected damage is crucial. This paper presents the vulnerability assessment of two reinforced concrete buildings designed for gravity loads and representative of the Pescara Province in the Abruzzi Region (Central Italy). Geometrical and structural characteristics of the buildings are initially derived from an existing database based on structured interviews with local technicians. The two buildings are then modeled using a simulated design approach following two different buildings codes. Nonlinear dynamic analyses are carried out in order to derive a suite of fragility curves for different damage states. These curves may be used to predict the expected damage following earthquakes of increasing intensities and plan mitigation strategies.