Simulation of earthquake-induced hazards of falling exteriornon-structural components and its application to emergency shelter design
Zhen Xu, Xinzheng Lu,Hong Guan, Yuan Tian and Aizhu Ren
Natural Hazards, Accepted on Oct. 1,2015. DOI: 10.1007/s11069-015-2005-2.
Abstract: In addition to earthquake-induced structural collapse, hazardsrelated to falling exterior non-structural components of buildings have alsobeen recognized as a significant safety problem. A novel simulation method isproposed herein to reduce such type of hazard, which has rarely been studied inthe existing literature. Using a multi-story concentrated-mass shear (MCS)model and specific falling criteria for exterior non-structural components, thehazard ranges of falling objects in a building group are simulated. Theuncertainty of ground motion is considered via the incremental dynamic analyses(IDAs). Thus, the distribution probabilities of falling objects during thedesign life of a building group can be predicted. A residential community area isconsidered as a case study for calculating the distribution probabilities offalling objects over a design period of 50 years and for selecting a suitable andsafe site for an emergency shelter. This study is expected to provide a usefulreference for emergency and disaster management.
Keywords: Earthquake-induced hazards; Falling objects; Exteriornon-structural components; Building group; Emergency shelter.