Earthquake risk assessment and preparation of earthquake risk scenario is a strong awareness raising and planning tool for implementing earthquake risk management activities. Use of appropriate fragility functions is one the most critical parameters for the accuracy of earthquake risk assessment. This study computed fragility functions for non-engineered low earthquake resistant masonry buildings in Nepal through non-linear analysis using Applied Element Method (AEM). Key parameters required for analysis were obtained through field test in actual field condition. Results obtained from AEM were compared with shaking table experiment and a good agreement was found. Buildings with different configuration, material strength, the number of stories and mortar type were subjected to numerical simulation and probability of damage exceeding a certain level of damage state is calculated for peak ground acceleration (PGA) starting from 0.05g to 1.0g. Fragility functions for low earthquake resistant masonry buildings for different state of damage are plotted based on numerical simulation results.
R. Guragain, A.M. Dixit, K. Meguro: Development of Fragility Functions for Low Strength Masonry Buildings in Nepal using Applied Element Method, Proceedings of 15th World Conference on Earthquake Engineering (15 WCEE), Septemper 24-28, 2012, Lisbon, Portugal.