Probabilistic risk assessment of a modern architecture building: analysis of the original building and retrofitting proposals

Abstract

The seismic vulnerability of an existing building representative of modern architecture style is presented herein. To improve its seismic response, a retrofitting solution consisting of an x-bracing system associated to a shear-link dissipater was analysed. The effectiveness of the retrofit was measured by carrying out a seismic fragility analysis, considering a numerical model accounting for the nonlinear behaviour under earthquakes of both RC elements and infill masonry walls. It is seen that currently available numerical tools, in combination with probabilistic assessment procedures, make the structural safety assessment of buildings an increasingly feasible methodology based upon which it is possible to propose effective seismic risk mitigation measures.