SEMI-AUTOMATED SOFTWARE TOOL FOR SEISMIC PERFORMANCE-BASED ASSESSMENT OF BUILDINGS

Abstract

The goal of this thesis is to develop a user-friendly software tool for seismic performance-based assessment of buildings. The tool is mainly written in python and utilizes FEMA P-58 as the methodology for the assessment. The developed tool is based on PACT (a classical tool provided by FEMA P-58), but is much more advanced and simpler manner. In this thesis the fragility specifications provided by FEMA P-58 is categorized in a nicely manner that fits into conventional structural design. The categorized fragility specifications are mainly based on SI unit system with no need for fragility unit of measurement as previously required by FEMA P-58. This categorized version is implemented into the developed tool. The results of conventional structural dynamic and pushover analyses are used as input for the developed tool. Afterwards, it automatically transforms input pushover curve into incremental dynamic analysis using the SPO2IDA tool and utilizes such results in the seismic performance assessment procedures. Eventually, the developed tool runs PACT engine through a command-line using xml-format file generated by the tool. The developed tool was designed to fit its’ usage of seismic performance assessment in conventional structural design as it does not require a user to be fully aware of FEMA P-58 methodology.