Determination of vulnerability scores with energy based method which consider the combined effects of structural deficiencies used in the scope of rapid visual screening of reinforced concrete buildings

In order to prevent loss of life in a possible earthquake, rapid visual screening is used to determine risk priority of buildings in regions with high earthquake risk. There are many rapid assessment methods used in the literature. Todays, studies on rapid visual screening continue to improve the simple and fast applicable methods which also provide a realistic evaluation. In the scope of this thesis study, the vulnerability scores assigned to structural deficiencies in the risk assessment of reinforced concrete buildings were examined by using the energy-based method. Vulnerability scores were reevaluated by testing two main hypotheses; i) vulnerability scores may vary depending on the degree of structural deficiencies, ii) vulnerability scores obtained by summing up the discrete effects of structural deficiencies and obtained by considering their combined effects may differ. In the evaluation, models with different number of floors (3, 5 and 8 floors) representing the existing building stock were used. The discrete and combined effects of structural deficiencies (soft/weak story, plan irregularity, heavy overhangs, pounding effect) on VSs were examined in these models. From the study, it was concluded that; i) the degree/type of deficiency has a significant effect on the vulnerability scores assigned, ii) the vulnerability scores obtained by summing up the discrete effects of structural deficiencies are, generally, different from the vulnerability scores calculated taking into account their combined effects, iii) most of the VSs obtained by summing the discrete effects of structural deficiencies results in higher values than those calculated by considering the combined effects of structural defects.