Stochastic Evaluation of Seismic Structural Performance

Abstract

A method is presented for determining the probabilities of a structure sustaining various levels of damage due to seismic activity during its lifetime. Uncertainties in the loading and the structural response analysis are considered. The method is based on a nonlinear random vibration analysis and an analytical technique for evaluating the sensitivity of the response to various structural and load parameters. Recently reported data are used to update the parameter values commonly used in the random process representation of earthquakes. The method is illustrated by analyses of a four‐story steel frame building and a seven‐story reinforced concrete building.