VULNERABILITY OF BUILDINGS TO LONG DISTANCE EARTHQUAKES FROM SUMATRA

Abstract

This study focuses on seismic vulnerability of shear wall – frame buildings in Singapore when they are subjected to far field effects of earthquakes in Sumatra. For this purpose, the demand curve was obtained based on the accelerograms of bedrock motions due to the worst earthquake scenario in Sumatra, and soil profiles of the selected sites. The recent two strong earthquakes in Sumatra were considered when the design earthquake was identified. On the other hand, the capacity curve was determined by a reliable and elegant analytical model validated by experimental results. By comparing the demand curve and capacity curve, seismic vulnerability of buildings is evaluated through a case study of a 25 story shear wall-frame building, representing the typical high rise building in Singapore. The case study reveals that high rise buildings in Singapore may suffer damages due to the worst earthquake scenario.