Seismic Vulnerability Analyses: Engineering Approaches for Existing Buildings
Macroseismic and Mechanical Approaches
This chapter explores models for vulnerability analyses using both macroseismic and mechanical approaches. These models consider both:
- Macroseismic aspects: Examining the seismic hazard at a regional level.
- Mechanical aspects: Assessing the structural response of buildings to seismic loads.
Empirical Approaches
Some researchers have adopted empirical approaches to assess seismic vulnerability. One method involves using a Vulnerability Index (VI) to evaluate the seismic vulnerability of existing buildings. The VI is based on various parameters, such as building age, structural type, and observed damage.
Time History Analyses
Nazari and Saatcioglu employed a non-linear time history analysis to investigate the seismic vulnerability of RC-shear wall buildings in Vancouver. This method simulates the dynamic response of a structure to a given earthquake ground motion.
Engineering Approaches
Engineering approaches offer a detailed assessment of seismic vulnerability. These methods involve evaluating the structural capacity and seismic demand on a building. Capacity is determined through structural analysis, while demand is estimated based on the expected earthquake ground motion at the site.
Limited Time Considerations
Researchers have also developed engineering approaches that aim to balance accuracy with time efficiency. These methods are designed to assess the seismic vulnerability of a larger number of existing buildings using an engineering approach while minimizing the time required for the analysis.
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