Direct seismic loss estimation of predominantly plan-symmetrical frame buildings using simplified nonlinear models

Abstract

The estimation of building seismic risk and loss utilising response history analysis is challenging, especially because the final objective is the seismic loss estimation for building stock. In this paper, this challenge is addressed by developing a simplified nonlinear structural model, which is capable of simulating the seismic response of predominantly plan-symmetrical reinforced concrete frame buildings subjected to ground motions in both horizontal directions. The simplified structural model is plugged into the direct seismic risk and loss estimation methodology. Its capabilities are then demonstrated by estimating the seismic risk and losses for a four-storey office building and a five-storey school building. For the analysed buildings, it is shown that the frequency of collapse, the expected annual loss and the frequency of exceedance of a given loss can be simulated with the same level of accuracy as in the case of the conventional structural model, but with greater numerical robustness and computational efficiency. Research is needed to better define the limitations of the introduced simplified model and extend the capabilities of simplified nonlinear models to more complex structural systems of plan-asymmetrical buildings.