Damage accumulation for a two-story wood-frame building in sequences of induced earthquakes

In this study, a nonlinear model of a two-story multifamily wood-frame residential structure is subjected to recordings of sequences of induced earthquakes in order to quantify changes in fragility and accumulation of damage throughout multiple earthquake loadings. Initial efforts consisting of ground motion selection, building design, numerical modeling, and preliminary results are presented. Damage is quantified through a seismic loss estimation procedure that accounts for damage to nonstructural and structural components of the building. Examining damage accumulation from sequential earthquake shaking enables us to explore how the occurrence of damage in an earthquake, even to relatively small levels, may increase a structure’s susceptibility to collapse or damage in subsequent ground shaking. Ultimately, the goal is to compare damage fragilities and seismic losses as a function of the building’s initial damage state.