Performance based seismic evaluation of non ductile RCMRF buildings with brick infill

This study focuses on the seismic vulnerability of RC frames with brick infill as observed from the recent Indian earthquakes. This paper presents the performance of brick infilled RC frame is evaluated based on probabilistic approach. In contrast to the methods used in the past which are either empirical or experimental based, the proposed approach establishes vulnerability curves based on computational simulations due to the limited data from past Indian earthquakes. Greater emphasis is imparted to the treatment of structural uncertainty as global behaviour is influenced by the variability in structural characteristics. Apart from the randomness in RC frame, additional random variables to account for the uncertainty in the masonry properties have been incorporated. Quantification of the uncertainties is achieved with the aid of available experimental data. This involves the definition of random variables and performance limit-states, followed by the generation of vulnerability curves for the given input ground motion. The difference in force-displacement behaviour between bare and infilled frames is illustrated with the proposed analytical model pertaining to Indian constructions. Based on the proposed methodology, vulnerability curve for medium rise existing RC building with brick infill is generated and subsequently compared with the bare frame counterpart.