Past earthquake events have shown that seismic damage to electrical power systems in commercial buildings, hospitals, and other systems such as public service facilities can cause serious economic losses as well as operational problems. A methodology for evaluation of the seismic vulnerability of electrical power systems is needed and all essential components of the system must be included. A key system component is the switchboard cabinet which houses many different elements which control and monitor electrical power usage and distribution within a building. Switchboard cabinets vary in size and complexity and are manufactured by a number of different suppliers; a typical cabinet design was chosen for detailed evaluation in this investigation. This study presents a comprehensive framework for the evaluation of the seismic performance of electrical switchboard cabinets. This framework begins with the introduction and description of the essential equipment in building electrical power systems and explains possible seismic damage to this equipment. The shortcomings of previous studies are highlighted and advanced finite element models are developed to aid in their vulnerability estimation. Unlike previous research in this area, this study proposes practical, computationally efficient, and versatile numerical models, which can capture the critical nonlinear behavior of switchboard cabinets subjected to seismic excitations. A major goal of the current study was the development of nonlinear numerical models that can accommodate various support boundary conditions ranging from fixed, elasto-plastic to free. Using both linear and nonlinear dynamic analyses, this study presents an enhanced evaluation of the seismic behavior of switchboard cabinets. First the dynamic characteristics of switchboard cabinets are determined and then their seismic performance is assessed through nonlinear time history analysis using an expanded suite of ground motions. The seismic responses and associated ground motions are described and analyzed using probabilistic seismic demand models (PSDMs). Based on the PSDMs, the effectiveness and practicality of common intensity measures are discussed for different components. Correlation of intensity measures and seismic responses are then estimated for each component, and their seismic performance and uncertainties are quantified in terms of engineering demand parameters. The results of this study are intended for use in the seismic vulnerability assessment of essential electrical equipment in order to achieve more reliable electrical power systems resulting in reduced overall risk of both physical and operational failures of this important class of nonstructural components.

The goal of this study is to develop probabilistically based empirical correlations for seismic performance assessment of buried pipelines. Within the scope of these research efforts, pipeline performance case histories have been compiled from Duzce city after Duzce earthquake. The characteristics of Duzce water supply and distribution system with the earthquake damage on the system were studied. Correlations of the damage patterns with the water distribution system, earthquake and geotechnical characteristics have been developed. Moreover spatial distributions of the earthquake effects havebeen transferred into Geographic Information System (GIS) format. As a result of these studies, it was intended to define the seismic, geotechnical and structural parameters which may explain the spatial variability of the observed seismic pipeline hazard. For the development of such correlations, a maximum likelihood framework for the probabilistic assessment of seismically induced buried pipeline performance is described. A database, consisting of postearthquake field observations of buried pipeline performance after Duzce earthquake in conjunction with in-situ index test results, is used for the development of probabilistically based seismic pipeline performance correlations. As a result of careful processing of available data, the variables of the problem are selected as: liquefaction susceptibility of soil, thickness of soft soil layer if it exists, peak ground acceleration and estimated ground deformations. A limit state function is defined in terms of these variables. Repairs on the pipeline system due to earthquake are compiled with the surrounding soil and earthquake parameters and the correlations of pipeline performances with the mentioned variables are determined. Different sets of fragility curves are developed for seismic pipeline performance problem, representing various sources of uncertainty that are intrinsic to the problem. Such information is believed to be useful to utility system operators in planning a seismic retrofit or upgrade program for existing pipeline systems.

No description available.

The Central and Eastern United States (CEUS) is a region that is characterized by low frequency-high consequence seismic events such as the New Madrid sequence of 18111812. The infrequent nature of earthquakes in the region has led to a perception that the seismic risk in the area is low, and the current building stock reflects this perception. The majority of steel-framed buildings in the CEUS were designed without regard to seismic loads. Such frames possess limited seismic resistance, and may pose an unacceptable risk if a large earthquake were to occur in the region. A key ingredient of building performance and seismic risk assessment is the fragility, a term that describes the probability of failure to meet a performance objective as a function of demand on the system. The effects of uncertainties on building seismic performance can be displayed by a seismic fragility relationship. This fragility can be used in a conditional scenario-based seismic risk assessment or can be integrated with seismic hazard to obtain an estimate of annual or lifetime risk. The seismic fragility analyses in this study focus on steel frames that are typical of building construction in regions of infrequent seismicity; such frames have received little attention to date in building seismic risk assessment. Current steel building stock in Shelby Co., TN has been represented by five code-compliant model frames with different lateral force-resisting systems, i.e., braced-frames, partially-restrained moment frames and a rigid moment frame. The performance of model frames under certain hazard levels was assessed using fragility curves. Different rehabilitation methods were discussed and applied. Results indicate that PR frames behave better than expected and rehabilitated frames perform quite well even under severe earthquakes.

Severe seismic events in urban regions during the last two decades revealed that the structures constructed before the development of modern seismic codes are the most vulnerable to earthquakes. Sub-standard reinforced concrete buildings constitute an important part of this highly vulnerable urban building stock. There is urgent need for the development and improvement of methods for seismic performance assessment of existing reinforced concrete structures. As an alternative to current conventional force-based assessment methods, a performance evaluation procedure for structural members, mainly reinforced concrete columns is proposed in this study, by using an energy-based approach combined with the low cycle fatigue concept. An energy-based hysteresis model is further introduced for representing the inelastic response of column members under severe seismic excitations. The shape of the hysteresis loops are controlled by the dissipated cumulative energy whereas the ultimate strength is governed by the low cycle fatigue behavior. These two basic characteristics are obtained experimentally from full scale specimens tested under constant and variable amplitude displacement cycles. The first phase of the experimental program presented in the study constitutes of testing sub-standard non-conforming column specimens. The second phase of testing was conducted on standard, code compliant reinforced concrete columns. A total number of 13 specimens were tested. The behavior of these specimens was observed individually and comparatively according to the performance based objectives. The results obtained from the experiments were employed for developing relations between the energy dissipation capacity of specimens, the specimen properties as well as the imposed displacement history. Moreover, the measured rotation capacities at the plastic regions are evaluated comparatively with the limits proposed by modern displacement-based seismic design and assessment provisions.

Serving as critical gateways for international trade, seaports are pivotal elements in transportation networks. Any disruption in the activities of port infrastructures may lead to significant losses from secondary economic effects, and can hamper the response and recovery efforts following a natural disaster. Particularly poignant examples which revealed the significance of port operations were the 1995 Kobe earthquake and 2010 Haiti earthquake in which liquefaction and lateral spreading of embankments imposed severe damage to both structural and non-structural components of ports. Since container wharf structures are responsible for loading and unloading of cargo, it is essential to understand the performance of these structures during earthquakes. Although previous studies have provided insight into some aspects of the seismic response of wharves, limitations in the modeling of wharf structures and the surrounding soil media have constrained the understanding of various features of the wharf response. This research provides new insights into the seismic behavior of wharves by using new and advanced structure and soil modeling procedures to carry out two and three-dimensional seismic analyses of a pile-supported marginal wharf structure in liquefiable soils. Furthermore, this research investigates the interaction between cranes and wharves and closely assesses the role of wharf-crane interaction on the response of each of these systems. For this purpose, the specific effect of wharf-crane interaction is studied by incorporating advanced models of the crane with sliding/uplift base conditions. To reduce the computational time required for three-dimensional nonlinear dynamic analysis of the wharf in order to be applicable for probabilistic seismic demand analysis, a simplified wharf model and an analysis technique are introduced and verified. In the next step probabilistic seismic demand models (PSDMs) are generated by imposing the wharf models to a suit of ground deformations of the soil embankment and pore water pressure generated for this study through free-field analysis. Convolving PSDMs and the limit states, a set of fragility curves are developed for critical wharf components whose damage induces a disruption in the normal operation of ports. The developed fragility curves provide decision makers with essential tools for maximizing investment in wharf retrofit and fill a major gap in seismic risk assessment of seaports which can be used to assess the regional impact of the damage to wharves during a natural hazard event.

Occurrence of displacements of shallow mat foundations resting on saturated silt-clay mixtures were reported in Mexico City during 1985 Mexico Earthquake, and in Adapazari during 1999 Kocaeli (izmit) Earthquake. Soft surface soils, shallow ground water, limited foundation embedments and deep alluvial deposits were the common features pertaining to such foundation displacements in either case. Experience shows, while uniform foundation settlements, even when excessive, do not limit post earthquake serviceability of building structures, tilting is particularly problematic. In this study, a simplified methodology is developed to estimate the seismically induced irrecoverable tilting potential of shallow mats on fine saturated soils. The undrained shear and deformation behavior of silt-clay mixtures encountered at the Adapazari sites with significant foundation displacements are investigated through a series of standard and rapid monotonic, and stress-controlled cyclic triaxial tests conducted over anisotropically consolidated natural soil samples. Test results show that, while the shear strength of these soils do not significantly degrade under means of loading comparable to that of Kocaeli earthquake, their plastic strain accumulation characteristics critically depend on the mode of loading as well as the relative levels of applied load with regard to the monotonic strength. Based on the results of laboratory tests, the response of nonlinear soil-foundation-structure system is reduced to a single-degree-of-freedom oscillator with elastic-perfectly plastic behavior. The natural period of the system is expressed by simplified soil-structure-interaction equations. Pseudo-static yield acceleration, which is required to initiate the foundation bearing capacity failure when applied to the structural mass, is estimated by the finite-element method. Eventually, the tilting potential of the foundations is estimated utilizing inelastic response of the nonlinear oscillator. Response of the deep alluvium sites, which involves velocity pulses with periods consistent with the fundamental site period, is significant in determination of inelastic response of low bearing capacity systems. Predictive capability of the methodology developed is tested with actual case data. The methodology is observed to predict irrecoverable tilting potential of foundations consistent with the observations, except for the cases with low seismic bearing capacity. Deviations are explained considering the sensitivity of low-strength systems to asymmetrical behavior and uncertainties involved in seismic demand.

Este artículo trata sobre la evaluación sísmica y propuesta de refuerzo sismorresistente de un módulo escolar denominado Apenkai. El edificio fue diseñado y construido en los años 90’s, bajo el código de diseño de 1977, el cual era muy permisible y no consideraba de manera adecuada las solicitaciones sísmicas. Asimismo, presenta fallas por columna corta y agrietamiento de muros, evidenciados en sismos importantes como los de 1996 en Nazca y de 2007 en Pisco, todo ello se resume a una capacidad insuficiente para su fin fundamental como colegio de representar un refugio para los alumnos y población aledaña ante grandes terremotos. En este sentido, es necesario reforzar y acondicionar estos edificios escolares. En este estudio, se presenta una propuesta de refuerzo innovador para la estructura, reforzando los muros de mampostería de forma diagonal con bandas y anclajes de CFRP, así como completando y eliminando los muros que producen la falla por columna corta. Se realiza un análisis modal espectral para determinar el desempeño sísmico en el caso as built y con refuerzo, delimitado a un suelo flexible. Se determinó que la estructura actual no cumple con el control de agrietamientos en los muros de mampostería y que la capacidad de la estructura no soportaría un sismo severo. Además, el reforzamiento con CFRP logra incrementar la capacidad de los muros y del edificio escolar con gran ventaja respecto a los muros sin reforzar, así como incrementar la ductilidad de la estructura, otorgándole mayor desplazamiento y capacidad de liberar energía. De este modo, la estructura ahora sí podría soportar el sismo severo de acuerdo al control de corte de edificio de la norma E.070. / This article deals with the seismic evaluation and proposal of seismic-resistant reinforcement of a school module called Apenkai. The building was designed and constructed in the 90's, under the 1977 design code, which was very permissible and did not adequately consider seismic stresses. Likewise, it presents faults by short column and cracked walls, evidenced in important earthquakes such as those of 1996 in Nazca and 2007 in Pisco, all this is summarized to an insufficient capacity for its fundamental purpose as a school to represent a refuge for the students and neighboring population in front of big earthquakes. In this sense, it is necessary to reinforce and condition these school buildings. In this study, an innovative reinforcement proposal for the structure presented, reinforcing the masonry walls in a diagonal way with CFRP bands and anchors, as well as completing and eliminating the walls that produce the short column fault. A spectral modal analysis performed to determine the seismic performance in the As Built case and with reinforcement, delimited to a flexible soil. It was determined that the As Built structure does not comply with the crack control in the masonry walls and that the capacity of the structure would not support a severe earthquake. In addition, CFRP reinforcement increases the capacity of the walls and the school building with great advantage over unreinforced walls, as well as increasing the ductility of the structure, giving it greater displacement and ability to release energy. Likewise, the structure could now withstand the severe earthquake according to the control of the E.070 standard. / Trabajo de investigación

En la presente investigación, se analiza la influencia de la irregularidad de la masa y del efecto PΔ sobre el comportamiento estructural de una edificación de 15 pisos. Se plantea el caso de una edificación regular 15 pisos, 4 casos de edificaciones con presencia de irregularidad de masa en un piso establecido y 4 casos de edificaciones irregulares con efecto PΔ. Primeramente, mediante el análisis dinámico lineal se determina la respuesta estructural en términos de derivas, fuerza cortante basal y momento. Posteriormente, se realiza el análisis estático no lineal (Push over) y se construye la curva de capacidad de la estructura. A partir de la curva de capacidad se obtienen los desplazamientos ultimo y de fluencia, y se estima la ductilidad global. Luego se procede a determinarse el desempeño sísmico para los diferentes niveles de sismo. Por último, se realiza un análisis comparativo de la respuesta estructural y el desempeño sísmico de los casos. Al analizar los momentos de las estructuras irregulares con efecto PΔ, se obtuvo una variación de hasta 5.60% con respecto a la edificación regular, de modo que se tiene mayor incremento de los momentos cuando en el análisis estructural de una estructura con irregularidad de la masa se considera el efecto PΔ. Se ha generado un incremento de la variación de la rigidez en el caso 1 cuando se considera el efecto PΔ, en la dirección x-x se obtuvo una variación de hasta 73.06 % y 77.76% en la dirección y-y. / In the present investigation, the influence of the irregularity of the mass and the PΔ effect on the structural behavior of a 15-story building is analyzed. The case of a regular 15-story building, 4 cases of buildings with the presence of mass irregularity in an established floor and 4 cases of irregular buildings with PΔ effect is presented. First, through linear dynamic analysis, the structural response is determined in terms of drifts, basal shear force and moment. Subsequently, the non-linear static analysis (Push over) is performed and the capacity curve of the structure is constructed. The ultimate and creep displacements are obtained from the capacity curve, and the overall ductility is estimated. Then, the seismic performance is determined for the different levels of earthquake. Finally, a comparative analysis of the structural response and the seismic performance of the cases is carried out. When analyzing the moments of the irregular structures with the PΔ effect, a variation of up to 5.60% was obtained with respect to the regular building, so that there is a greater increase in the moments when in the structural analysis of a structure with irregularity of the mass the PΔ effect is considered. An increase in the variation of the stiffness has been generated in case 1 when the PΔ effect is considered, in the x-x direction a variation of up to 73.06% and 77.76% in the y-y direction was obtained. / Trabajo de investigación

El objetivo de esta tesis es la de evaluar la respuesta de dos edificaciones de concreto armado cuando son sometidas a un sismo moderado. Para efectuar el análisis sísmico basado en el desempeño se requirió calcular los espectros de demanda del sismo moderado y de capacidad e interceptarlo para luego basarnos en los métodos del ATC-40,FEMA – 440 y determinar en qué rango de desempeño se encontraron. Se analizó los aspectos conceptuales y metodológicos relacionados con la evaluación del daño sísmico sobre edificaciones; asimismo, se estudió otras normas técnicas sismorresistentes que tengan semejanzas con la norma peruana E -030 para este propósito se empleó la metodología del análisis estático incremental no lineal con la utilización del software ETABS. La evaluación del desempeño sísmico se aplicó en tres edificaciones de ocho , seis y cuatro pisos la misma que se diseñó con la norma E-030 actualizada del 2018, con el fin de verificar las máximas demandas en el rango no lineal a través del análisis estático incremental no lineal “Pushover” . / The objective of this thesis is to evaluate the response of two editions of reinforced concrete when subjected to a moderate earthquake. In order to carry out the seismic analysis based on the performance, it was necessary to calculate the demand spectra of the moderate earthquake and capacity and to intersect it and then based on the methods of the ATC-40, FEMA - 440 and determine in what range of performance they were found. The conceptual and methodological aspects related to the evaluation of seismic damage on buildings were analyzed. Also, other seismic technical norms that have similarities with the Peruvian norm E-030 were studied for this purpose, the methodology of the non-linear incremental static analysis was used with the use of the ETABS software. The evaluation of the seismic performance was applied in three buildings of eigth , six and four floors, the same one that was designed with the updated standard E-030 of 2018 ,in order to verify the maximum demands in the non-linear range through the non-linear incremental static analysis "Pushover". / Tesis