Seismic fragility of RC structural walls: Displacement approach

The Bayesian parameter estimation technique is used to develop probabilisti c displacement capacity and demand models for reinforced concrete (RC) stru ctural walls. These models are used to assess the seismic fragility of an e xample RC structural wall. Experimental data are used to develop the capaci ty model, and nonlinear dynamic analysis is employed to develop the demand model. In the course of developing the capacity model, probabilistic models are also developed for the plastic hinge length, the maximum usable strain of confined concrete including the effect of strain concentration, and the cyclic curvature capacity of the cross section of the wall. The probabilis tic models developed in this paper are applicable to a large class of RC st ructural walls.