Effect of the inelastic dynamic soil–structure interaction on the seismic vulnerability assessment

This paper presents a study of the influence of inelastic dynamic soil–structure interaction (DSSI) on the seismic vulnerability assessment of buildings. The seismic vulnerability is evaluated in terms of analytical fragility curves constructed on the basis of non-linear dynamic finite elements (FE) analysis. An analytical sensibility strategy is introduced in order to define a suitable size of the motion database to be used for computing fragility curves. The fragility curves developed in this study are compared with reference curves. Concerning the effect of the inelastic DSSI, a general reduction of seismic demand when DSSI phenomena are included is found. Derived fragility curve reflects this seismic demand reduction. The importance of the ground motion database is highlighted in terms of the variability of parameters describing derived fragility curves. Comparison with reference curves are satisfactory. Findings illustrate clearly the importance and the advantages of an adequate DSSI effects evaluation.