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 presentedherein. To improve its seismic response, a retrofitting solution consisting of an x-bracing system associated toa shear-link dissipater was analysed. The effectiveness of the retrofit was measured by carrying out a seismicfragility analysis, considering a numerical model accounting for the nonlinear behaviour under earthquakes ofboth RC elements and infill masonry walls. It is seen that currently available numerical tools, in combinationwith probabilistic assessment procedures, make the structural safety assessment of buildings an increasinglyfeasible methodology based upon which it is possible to propose effective seismic risk mitigation measures.