Loss estimation of a code-conforming steel building to mainshock-aftershock sequences

Document Type

Conference Proceeding

Publication Date

1-1-2014

Abstract

Recent earthquakes have reminded us that a building designed under modern building codes aimed for life safety are at risk of significant financial loss. Aftershocks triggered by the mainshock could contribute significantly to the overall seismic loss. This paper presents an approach for loss estimation of buildings subjected to mainshock-aftershock sequences. The approach is to evaluate the seismic loss of a code-conforming four-story steel building subjected to two intensity levels of mainshocks, including Design Earthquake and Maximum Considered Earthquake, and the following aftershocks. Uncertainty propagation of loss estimation is examined by Monte Carlo Simulation with the Latin Hypercube Sampling. It was found that aftershocks may have a significant effect on the seismic loss. The transition cost is the main contributor to the losses caused by mainshocks, while the downtime costs may become the main contributor to seismic loss caused by aftershocks when the seismic intensity level increases. The dispersion associated with the expected loss uncertainties decreases as the mainshock intensity increases. The research could contribute to improve seismic loss estimation of buildings and facilitate stakeholders to make risk-informed decisions.

Publication Title

NCEE 2014 - 10th U.S. National Conference on Earthquake Engineering: Frontiers of Earthquake Engineering

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