Seismic Fragility Curve and Damage Function in Earthquake Risk Analysis

Abstract

Synopsis Seismic risk analysis enables quantitative evaluation of earthquake damage levels which are important indexes for disaster prevention planning, and is an indispensable technique for evaluating life cycle cost, probable maximum loss and business continuity program. This paper focused on seismic fragility curves and damage functions used by engineers when analyze seismic risk. Firstly, engineering definition of the risk and the seismic risk analysis are presented and the role of the fragility curves and the damage functions are described. Secondary, their mathematical formulations and the evaluation procedures are introduced. Finally, some examples of the fragility curves and the damage functions applied to reinforced concrete structures are demonstrated.