Thesis (Ph. D.)--University of Oregon, 2000. / Typescript. Includes vita and abstract. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 139-151). Also available for download via the World Wide Web; free to University of Oregon users.

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A cast modular connector (MC) has been developed for use in seismic-resistant steel moment frames. The MC is a field bolted beam flange connection intended to serve as the frame's special energy-dissipating detail. The connector is specifically configured for optimal seismic performance through a casting process. The MC possesses inherent ductility through variable-section arms that minimize plastic strain demand and a reliable yet economical fastening method through a base end-region that virtually eliminates prying forces on bolts.The dissertation presents three journal papers. The first paper describes the portion of the analytical research focused on establishing the optimum geometry for the energy dissipating arm elements. Key parameters were evaluated through parametric studies using nonlinear (material and geometry) finite element analysis and supported by basic theoretical models. The outcome was a set of optimum geometric ratios covering width reduction, length to thickness, aspect ratio, and fillet radius.The second paper describes the development process of the isolated connector rather than full-connection behavior. Designs were alternately evaluated for structural performance and castability through the electronic exchange of solid model files with steel foundry industry partners. The analytical results indicate the potential for excellent ductility and energy dissipation characteristics in the MC Beta prototype.The third paper focuses on the prototyping and experimental verification of the MC Beta prototype. Steel foundry industry partners cast the MC Beta prototype at approximately half-scale. The scaled MC Beta prototype was tested in isolated fashion under monotonic and cyclic loading. The experimental results confirmed the performance of the analytically-based designs. The MC Beta prototype exhibited exceptional performance in terms of stable energy dissipation, far exceeding qualifying rotational ductility capacities. In direct comparisons to a WT section of similar stiffness and strength, the MC Beta prototype possessed greatly enhanced ductility and energy dissipation characteristics.With the MC Beta prototype developed and experimentally verified under isolated conditions, an experimental verification of beam-to-column joints containing the scaled MCs were performed using accepted testing protocols. The preliminary test results indicate that the connection exceeded qualifying rotational ductility capacities and showed promise as a special energy-dissipating detail in seismic-resistant steel moment frames.

Many infrastructure networks rely on each other to deliver utilities and services to the community. In the event of a disaster, these networks can sustain significant damage. It is therefore important to identify interdependencies among networks to mitigate the disaster consequences. In 2003, Public Safety Canada (PSC) and NSERC initiated the Joint Infrastructure Interdependencies Research Program (JIIRP) for this purpose. The research was carried out at six Universities across Canada including the University of British Columbia (UBC). The aim of JIIRP at UBC was to study infrastructure interdependencies during disasters in order to aid in decision making. This involved the development disaster simulation methodology and tool, and the implementation of a case study. UBC's Point Grey campus was used as case study. The campus is located in southwestern British Columbia, a known seismic zone, therefore earthquake disaster scenario was chosen. Reasonable estimations of the expected seismic damage and losses are required in order to simulate a realistic disaster scenario. For this reason, in this thesis, seismic risk assessment was carried out for the buildings at UBC. This involved the development of a building database, the assessment of the expected level of damage to the structural and nonstructural building components, and the estimation of monetary, human and functionality losses. Buildings in the database were classified into prototypes and the damage was estimated for several levels ofintensity using damage probability matrices. As expected, the most vulnerable buildings on campus were those containing unreinforced masonry. These buildings make up 7% of the buildings on campus. The least vulnerable buildings were multi-family residential woodbuildings which account for 27% of the buildings on campus. Losses were estimated following the damage assessments. Casualties were estimated for three times of day. 2PM was determined to be the critical time of day as the campus population is the greatest at this time. Monetary loss and functionality trends were examined with respect to earthquake intensity and it was shown that for moderate intensity earthquakes, the losses depend primarily on nonstructural damage, while structural damage plays the most important role for higher intensities.

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