Investigation of Seismic Vulnerability of Reinforced Concrete Frames Equipped with Steel Plate Shear Walls

Abstract

There are various methods for assessing the seismic vulnerability of buildings, each with different costs and levels of accuracy. In this regard, fragility curves, which relate the probability of structural damage to ground motion characteristics and design parameters, are more common. These curves express the probability of the structural response exceeding the functional limit at different seismic intensities. The FEMA-P695 analytical method evaluates the existing uncertainties in assessing the seismic behavior of structures using collapse fragility curves. In this research, the seismic vulnerability of a relatively new reinforced concrete frame (RCF) system equipped with a steel plate shear wall (SPSW) is evaluated using this method. Relationships and criteria proposed by FEMA-P695 are investigated using four models with 4, 8, 12, and 24 stories, each subjected to the records proposed by FEMA-P695. According to the results of this study and the evaluation of effective parameters in the assessment of collapse safety margin, the RCF equipped with SPSW shows acceptable performance against earthquakes and the maximum earthquake probability.