Seismic performance of irregular buildings using reduced DOF systems based on HAZUS capacity curves

Seismic events pose persistent threats to communities worldwide, necessitating effective strategies for seismic risk mitigation and post-earthquake damage assessment. Rapid and accurate evaluation of structural integrity following seismic events is crucial for ensuring the safety of buildings and occupants. This thesis addresses the challenge of rapid seismic assessment, focusing on incorporating torsional responses into building assessments. A previous model employed a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) approach to represent the translational behavior of structures. Dynamic test parameters and Hazus manual parameters were used to assess the model's stiffness and strength, respectively. However, limitations of the previous model include its inability to represent torsional behavior, highlighting the need for more accurate information on complex structural behaviors. In response to these limitations, the proposed model aims to assess both translational and torsional responses, even in the absence of comprehensive design data. By integrating torsional analysis, the model seeks to uncover latent vulnerabilities that conventional assessments may overlook, thereby enhancing the resilience of buildings to seismic events. Validation of the proposed model involves comparing our simplified OpenSees model against a more complex SAP2000 model and a real study case of the Van Nuys hotel in California. These validation efforts ensure the reliability and accuracy of the proposed model in capturing structural responses under seismic loading conditions. The proposed model has the potential to contribute to a more precise post-earthquake seismic assessment methodology. By capturing complex behaviors such as torsion, the model can identify vulnerabilities that may not be visible through in situ inspections alone. This enhanced understanding of structural responses enables decision-makers to implement targeted interventions to mitigate risks and enhance structural resilience.