Civil Engineering Association

[Thesis] Performance-Based Earthquake Engineering With The First-Order Reliability

Performance-based earthquake engineering is an emerging field of study which complements the
prescriptive methods that the design codes provide to ensure adequate seismic performance of structures.
Accounting for uncertainties in the performance assessments forms an important component in this area.
In this context, the present study focuses on two broad themes; first, treatment of uncertainties and the
application of the first-order reliability method (FORM) in the finite-element reliability analysis, and
second, the seismic risk assessment of reinforced concrete structures for performance states such as,
collapse, and monetary loss. In the first area, the uncertainties arising from the inherent randomness in
nature (aleatory) and due to the lack of knowledge (epistemic) are identified. A framework for the
separation of these uncertainties is proposed. Following this, the applicability of FORM to the linear and
nonlinear finite-element structural models under static and dynamic loading is investigated. The case
studies indicate that FORM is applicable for linear and nonlinear static problems. Strategies are proposed
to circumvent and remedy potential challenges to FORM. In the case of dynamic problems, the
application of FORM is studied with an emphasis on cumulative response measures. The limit-state
surface is shown to have a closed and nonlinear geometric shape. Solution methods are proposed to obtain
probability bounds based on the FORM results. In the application-oriented second area of research, at
first, the probability of collapse of a reinforced concrete frame is assessed with nonlinear static analysis.
By modelling the post-failure behaviour of individual structural members, the global response of the
structure is estimated beyond the component failures. The final application is the probabilistic assessment
of monetary loss for a high-rise shear wall building due to the seismic hazard in the Cascadia Subduction
zone. A 3-dimensional finite-element model of the structure with nonlinear material models is subjected
to stochastic ground motions in the reliability analysis. The parameters for stochastic ground motion
model are developed for Vancouver, Canada. Monetary losses due to the damage of structural and nonstructural
components are included.

Table of Contents:



Chapter 1. Introduction

Chapter 2. Identification of Uncertainties

Chapter 3. Feasibility of FORM - Statics

Chapter 4. Feasibility of FORM – Dynamics

Chapter 5. Probabilistic Evaluation of Collapse

Chapter 6. Probabilistic Evaluation of Loss

Chapter 7. Conclusions and Future Work

Uploaded: Nov/20/2011, File Size: 1.26 MB, PDF, Paginated, Searchable text.

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