Alternative closed-form solutions for the mean rate of exceedance of structural limit states

Abstract

Two new closed-form expressions representing the mean rate of exceedance of a given limit state are presented herein. These proposals overcome limitations that were identified with the original formulation of the well-known SAC/FEMA approach. The new expressions involve new parametric functions for the modeling of the seismic hazard data and for the demand evolution for increasing values of the earthquake intensity measure. Given the carefully selected parametric form of these functions, mathematical tractability is able to be maintained to establish two new closed-form solutions representing the mean rate of exceedance of a given limit state. The function proposed for the hazard exhibits nonlinear behavior in log-log space and is able to represent the actual hazard data over a wider range of earthquake intensity levels. The function proposed for the demand evolution addresses issues related to the inadequate performance of the SAC/FEMA approach when force-based demand parameters such as the shear force are considered. To illustrate the applicability of the new closed-form solutions, the probability of occurrence of several limit states is determined for a reinforced concrete structure