Seismic Fragility Analysis of Precast RC Shear Wall-Frame Structures with Connection Defects

Abstract

As observed in many evidences during past earthquakes, the quality of precast concrete (PC) connections is one of the main factors that affect the seismic reliability of PC structures. In the context of Chinas rapid development of PC structures in high seismic regions, it is important to assess the effect of connection deficiency on their seismic performance. This paper proposes a framework for seismic fragility analysis of PC shear wall-frame structures whose wall panels are assembled through grout sleeve connections that are susceptible to insufficient grouting. The uncertainties associated with the defected sleeve connections are taken into account, and then the probabilistic response of shear wall model is estimated through Point Estimate (PE) method. Then, a generic shear wall-frame building is modeled on platform of OpenSees. Seismic fragility analysis is performed to the structures with different degrees of connection deficiency, showing that the seismic performance is significantly affected by connection deficiencies, and great effort should be taken for the quality control of grout sleeve connections in construction site.