FAST Method - A Simple Solution for Seismic Vulnerability of RC Infilled Buildings

Synopsis

A straightforward vulnerability methodology, named FAST method, for seismic vulnerability assessment of infilled reinforced concrete buildings, has been carried out using the consolidated probabilistic framework employed in Performance Based Earthquake Engineering, and some simplified hypotheses matching building stock characteristics of different Mediterranean countries (e.g. Italy, Spain). FAST method describes the vulnerability relationships (also called fragility curves) in terms of peak ground acceleration (PGA) calculated from the estimated mean inelastic drift capacities of infilled RC buildings for various damage states (DS). The damage states are classified through an empirical-mechanical interpretation of the EMS 98 scale. DS thresholds range from slight to heavy damage state (from DS1 up to DS3). The more severe DS4 and DS5 damage states (very heavy damage and destruction) are not covered since the vulnerability relationships are carried out on the basis of masonry infills' damage interpretation, whose influence on damage can only be easily quantified up to DS3. FAST method is based on the capacity spectrum method and on the evaluation of an approximate Incremental Dynamic Analysis (IDA) curve. In fact, the IDA curve describing the inelastic relationship between spectral displacement and elastic spectral acceleration at the fundamental period, Sa(T), can be derived from the capacity curve through the employment of a proper strength reduction factor-ductility-period (R-µ-T) relationship. Finally, spectral shape assumption allows switching from Sa(T) to PGA. FAST method has been calibrated and compared with different post-earthquake damage data such as L'Aquila 2009 (Italy), Lorca 2011 (Spain), and Emilia 2012 (Italy). The presentation will give an overview of the FAST method and discuss the level of agreement with different quality of observed damage data, and its potential application in providing an adequate level of detail for post-earthquake prioritization maps of retrofitting intervention.

About the speaker

Dr. Flavia De Luca has been a Lecturer in the Department of Civil Engineering at the University of Bristol since September 2014. Her expertise is in the field of structural and earthquake engineering, focused on Performance Based Earthquake Engineering and in particular to damage modelling of Reinforced Concrete structures. She is the author of numerous publications in international journals and has taken part as presenter to different international conferences.

Dr De Luca’s PhD in Seismic Risk at the University of Naples Federico II in 2012 was on the subject of "Records, capacity curve fits and reinforced concrete damage states within a Performance Based Earthquake Engineering Framework". It was characterized by multiple collaborations with different researchers both at the University of Naples and from other relevant institutions in Europe.

During her research, Dr. De Luca took part in post-earthquake field investigations (L'Aquila 2009, Emilia 2012) and continued her research as a post-doctoral fellow at the Department of Structures for Engineering and Architecture at the University of Naples Federico II, up to August 2014.

Dr. De Luca is also a principal contributor to the chapter on Seismic Vulnerability Assessment of RC Structures in the Encyclopedia of Earthquake Engineering, currently being published by Springer.

Further information

This evening meeting is organised by SECED and chaired by Tiziana Rossetto (UCL). Non-members of the society are welcome to attend. Attendance at this meeting is free. Seats are allocated on a first come, first served basis. Tea and biscuits will be served from 5.30pm - 6pm. For further information, please contact Greg James (tel. 020 7665 2229).