Seismic vulnerability assessment of RC frame structures subjected to seismic excitation: A review

Because of their unpredictable nature and high damage-causing ability, earthquakes pose a significant threat to buildings. As a result, loss of lives and significant loss of economy became a primary concern in many parts of the world. Damage to structures is one of the many reasons to examine their seismic behavior when subjected to seismic forces. The seismic vulnerability of a structure can also be defined as its vulnerability to damage caused by ground shaking of a certain intensity. A building fragility analysis is performed to assess its vulnerability. The analysis of structural fragility provides a better understanding of the response of structural and non-structural systems during seismic events. It also helps to reduce damage and the risk of loss of life. Fragility curves indicate the likelihood of failure when a building is subjected to earthquakes of varying magnitudes. This paper provides an overview of the studies published in the field of seismic vulnerability assessment of RC buildings using fragility curves. The adopted methods within the past studies were nonlinear static pushover analysis, nonlinear time history analysis, incremental dynamic analysis etc. This review study discusses the effects of aging, soil structure interaction, set back irregularities, effects of infill, effect of strong column and weak beam, soft story, construction quality etc. on the vulnerability of RC frame structures.