Fragility curves for light damage of clay masonry walls subjected to seismic vibrations

Abstract The probability of light damage to unprepared, unreinforced masonry structures exposed induced seismicity due gas extraction in the north Netherlands is still under investigation. Repeated seismic excitations caused by frequent, and nearby earthquakes have been linked economical losses societal unrest particular, with extensive claims. Moreover, damaging potential events has related condition structure, especially if corresponding settlement causes already present. A comprehensive testing campaign oriented towards initiation progression replicated clay brick conducted at Delft University Technology. Based on these tests, calibrated finite element models produced. This article uses non-linear time-history simulate effect earthquake ground motion a variety initial conditions, wall geometry, material properties, number, type intensity earthquakes. results are then used regress relationship between parameters. subsequently employed run MonteCarlo simulation produce fragility curves where exceeding specific values for various levels presented against hazard. vulnerability or show that visible damage, cracks wider than 0.1 mm, appears, 10% exceedance probability, 13 mm/s peak velocity; but, had undergone some light, yet imperceptible PGV 6 was sufficient aggravate it into cracks. To attain 1% however, which would need more invasive repair, observed PGVs larger 15 were required. These finally compared graphs from other authors found capture well variability range assigned damage.