Spectral functions of Damage Index (DI) for masonry buildings with flexible floors

Abstract

Most of the buildings in old city cores of Croatia, built between 1860 and 1920 with wooden floors, are mainly designed to bear vertical loads. In this paper we propose a methodology for seismic vulnerability assessment of unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible floors. The methodology is based on the calculation of Damage Index (DI), a numerical value indicating the level of structural damage. In this methodology, the structure is represented using an SDOF model determined by damping, weight, elastic base shear capacity, elastic stiffness and post-elastic stiffness. Using accelerograms of earthquakes, step by step time-history numerical integrations are provided along with the results: top displacement, yield excursions, cumulative energy and base shear–displacement. These results serve as parameters which are then input in the formula for Damage Index (DI). The results of the paper are presented in the form of diagrams with DI values on the y axis and fundamental period of the structure on the x axis. These spectral functions of DI, along with knowledge of fundamental period and chosen accelerogram, can be used to quickly determine the level of damage for unreinforced masonry buildings with flexible floors.