Characterization of seismic risk of structures through robust database framework

Earthquake Engineering aims to reduce seismic risks resulting fromearthquakes and facilitate the process of designing earthquake-resistantbuildings. Evaluation of seismic vulnerability of structures is of mostimportance due to the increased number of seismic events that causes significant losses and damages. The main outlines for carrying outseismic vulnerability assessment of existing or new buildings through theuse of robust database containing as many as available earthquake records. The assessment is carried out using the capacity spectrum method as recommended by the ACT -40. The capacity spectrum method (CSM) is a nonlinear static analysis method suggested by severalregulations such as the ATC and FEMA, which compares the global force-displacement capacity curve of a structure with an earthquake response spectrum in graphical bases. During study, the capacity spectrum method is investigated and applied to buildings through the development of robust database including large stock of historical earthquakes. To apply the Capacity Spectrum Method on the studiedbuildings, the capacity curve of these buildings are compared with theresponse spectrum of many earthquakes. Intersection of capacity curve ofbuilding with demand curve of earthquake group is the performance point that indicates the category of building. The developed database iscustomized in the vulnerability assessment of different example buildings with emphasis on the characteristics leading to the alteration of seismic vulnerability class. The results are presented in a form valuable to practical design guides.