Seismic vulnerability assessment of RC structural walls

ABSTRACT: Mean return periods and mean 50-years probabilities of exceeding the estimated capacity of the buildings with RC structural walls have been calculated using simplified probabilistic approach based on total probability theorem (Cornell’s method). Maximum overall drift and maximum story drift, calculated indirectly from maximal tension and compression deformations at the bottom of the boundary columns of the wall, have been selected as damage measures. Effective 3D multiple-vertical-line-element model was used in inelastic response analysis. Model was calibrated by large-scale shaking table experiments. In general seismic vulnerability has been acceptable even for walls reinforced by minimum reinforcement. In addition to the height of the building and intensity of the seismic zone most important parameters influencing seismic vulnerability of buildings with RC walls are wall-to-floor ratio and confinement of the edges in compression.