Analytical Fragility Curve Construction for Coastal Masonry Buildings: Height-Dependent Structural Vulnerability Evaluation

Abstract

In recent years, the vulnerability of coastal buildings to tsunamis has gained significant attention within the scientific community. Estimating the probability of building damage and formulating effective risk mitigation strategies have become imperative to mitigate potential losses. While empirical fragility curves based on post-tsunami field investigations offer valuable insights, a predictive approach based on analytical fragility curves applicable across various building types is crucial for civil protection and risk reduction efforts. The present study investigates the influence of building height on the structural vulnerability of masonry buildings. For this purpose, an approach based on Monte Carlo simulations was adopted to analyze distinct classes of buildings, highlighting the advantages of this method in directly assessing uncertainties without complex regression analyses. The assessment of height influence across buildings with random geometries and material properties allows for the evaluation of the accuracy and applicability of fragility curves for masonry structures in tsunami-prone regions. The research not only provides insights into the effectiveness of the procedure for constructing analytical fragility curves but also offers valuable insights into structural vulnerability as a function of the number of storeys. These findings can be instrumental for more precise risk evaluations and in formulating measures to safeguard coastal communities from the devastating repercussions of tsunamis.