Damage-based spectral seismic assessment

Establishing an integrated and rational performance-based earthquake engineering framework is an ongoing challenge. Within this context, explicit incorporation of performance objectives defined through discrete bands of structural damage is of paramount importance. The development of a generalized damage-based assessment tool that is sensitive to salient performance characteristics and applicable to different structural materials and design conditions is deemed crucial.; The objective of this study is to develop and validate damage-based assessment procedures of generalized applicability. Spectral representations depending on yield displacement as main parameter form the core of such procedures.; A new approach for constructing constant ductility response spectra is presented using a strength-stiffness dependent load deformation model. The conceptual deficiency of the conventionally accepted assumption that the structural stiffness is independent of strength is highlighted.; Available damage index formulation with generalized applicability is modified to model damage of structures adopting a strength-stiffness dependent load deformation behaviour. The modified index is referred to as the performance point index and is used to construct constant damage spectra. The performance point index is used as a substitute for ductility to present, within spectral framework, a uniform definition of damage independent of the type of structural material.; The developed damage-based spectra are used as the basis of a novel nonlinear static procedure. Estimates of response damage indices and peak roof displacements of multistorey structures under seismic action are obtained through graphical comparison of the damage-based demand and equivalent single degree of freedom capacity curves.; The concept of comparing the capacity and demand is extrapolated to assess the damageability of different building classes by developing a new simplified vulnerability assessment methodology. A refined set of capacity equations is proposed for beam- and column-sway reinforced concrete frames. The proposed methodology forms the basis for a simplified identification of response limits associated with different damage levels.