Output details

A combined local damage index for seismic assessment of existing R/C structures

To quantify damage imposed by earthquakes on structures, 'damage indice's are employed. Previous indices focus exclusively on flexural damage. However, reconnaissance reports of devastating earthquakes (e.g. PEER report 2000/09, University California Berkeley) show that many RC structures, especially those not designed according to modern seismic guidelines, develop catastrophic shear and bond failures. This study proposes the first damage index accounting explicitly for all types of damage and their interaction. The index is calibrated against experiments and it can be used for reliable predictions of structural damage, which assure optimization of precautionary measures and minimization of seismic losses.