Methodology for the development of analytical fragility curves for retrofitted bridges

Fragility curves for retrofitted bridges indicate the influence of various retrofit measures on the probability of achieving specified levels of damage. This paper presents an analytical methodology for developing fragility curves for classes of retrofitted bridge systems. The approach captures the impact of retrofit on the vulnerability of multiple components, which to date has not been adequately addressed, and results in a comparison of the system fragility before and after the application of different retrofit measures. Details presented include analytical modeling, uncertainty treatment, impact of retrofit on demand models, capacity estimates, and component and system fragility curves. The findings indicate the importance of evaluating the impact of retrofit not only on the targeted response quantity and component vulnerability but also on the overall bridge fragility. As illustrated by the case study of a retrofitted multi‐span continuous (MSC) concrete girder bridge class, a given retrofit measure may have a positive impact on some components, yet no impact or a negative impact on other critical components. Consideration of the fragility based only on individual retrofitted components, without regard for the system, may lead to over‐estimation or under‐estimation of the impact on the bridge fragility. The proposed methodology provides an opportunity to effectively compare the fragility of the MSC concrete bridge retrofit with a range of different retrofit measures. The most effective retrofit in reducing probable damage for a given intensity is a function of the damage state of interest. Copyright © 2008 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Self-centering seismic retrofit scheme for reinforced concrete frame structures: SDOF system study

This paper presents the results of a parametric study of self-centering seismic retrofit schemes for reinforced concrete (RC) frame buildings. The self-centering retrofit system features flag-shaped hysteresis and minimal residual deformation. For comparison purpose,an alternate seismic retrofit scheme that uses a bilinear-hysteresis retrofit system such as buckling-restrained braces (BRB) is also considered in this paper. The parametric study was carried out in a single-degree-of-freedom (SDOF) system framework since a multi-story building structure may be idealized as an equivalent SDOF system and investigation of the performance of this equivalent SDOF system can provide insight into the seismic response of the multi-story building. A peak-oriented hysteresis model which can consider the strength and stiffness degradation is used to describe the hysteretic behavior of RC structures. The parametric study involves two key parameters -the strength ratio and elastic stiffness ratio between the seismic retrofit system and the original RC frame. An ensemble of 172 earthquake ground motion records scaled to the design basis earthquake in California with a probability of exceedance of 10% in 50 years was constructed for the simulation-based parametric study. The effectiveness of the two seismic retrofit schemes considered in this study is evaluated in terms of peak displacement ratio,peak acceleration ratio,energy dissipation demand ratio and residual displacement ratio between the SDOF systems with and without retrofit. It is found from this parametric study that RC structures retrofitted with the self-centering retrofit scheme (SCRS) can achieve a seismic performance level comparable to the bilinear-hysteresis retrofit scheme (BHRS) in terms of peak displacement and energy dissipation demand ratio while having negligible residual displacement after earthquake.     

Experimental tests on full‐scale RC unretrofitted frame and retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces

The results of experimental tests carried out on reinforced concrete (RC) full‐scale 2‐storey 2‐bays framed buildings are presented. The unretrofitted frame was designed for gravity loads only and without seismic details; such frame was assumed as a benchmark system in this study. A similar RC frame was retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs). The earthquake structural performance of both prototypes was investigated experimentally using displacement‐controlled pushover static and cyclic lateral loads. Modal response properties of the prototypes were also determined before and after the occurrence of structural damage. The results of the dynamic response analyses were utilized to assess the existing design rules for the estimation of the elastic and inelastic period of vibrations. Similarly, the values of equivalent damping were compared with code‐base relationships. It was found that the existing formulations need major revisions when they are used to predict the structural response of as‐built RC framed buildings. The equivalent damping ratio ξ_eq was augmented by more than 50% when the BRBs was employed as bracing system. For the retrofitted frame, the overstrength Ω and the ductility µ are 1.6 and 4.1, respectively; the estimated R‐factor is 6.5. The use of BRBs is thus a viable means to enhance efficiently the lateral stiffness and strength, the energy absorption and dissipation capacity of the existing RC substandard frame buildings. The foundation systems and the existing members of the superstructure are generally not overstressed as the seismic demand imposed on them can be controlled by the axial stiffness and the yielding force of the BRBs. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic reliability of steel moment resisting framed buildings retrofitted with buckling restrained braces

The present paper investigates the seismic reliability of the application of buckling restrained braces (BRBs) for seismic retrofitting of steel moment resisting framed buildings through fragility analysis. Samples of regular three‐storey and eight‐storey steel moment resisting frames were designed with lateral stiffness insufficient to comply with the code drift limitations imposed for steel moment resisting frame systems in earthquake‐prone regions. The frames were then retrofitted with concentrically chevron conventional braces and BRBs. To obtain robust estimators of the seismic reliability, a database including a wide range of natural earthquake ground motion records with markedly different characteristics was used in the fragility analysis. Nonlinear time history analyses were utilized to analyze the structures subjected to these earthquake records. The improvement of seismic reliability achieved through the use of conventional braces and BRBs was evaluated by comparing the fragility curves of the three‐storey and eight‐storey model frames before and after retrofits, considering the probabilities of four distinct damage states. Moreover, the feasibility of mitigating the seismic response of moment resisting steel structures by using conventional braces and BRBs was determined through seismic risk analysis. The results obtained indicate that both conventional braces and especially BRBs improve significantly the seismic behavior of the original building by increasing the median values of the structural fragility curves and reducing the probabilities of exceedance of each damage state. Copyright © 2011 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic retrofitting of reinforced concrete frame structures using GFRP-tube-confined-concrete composite braces

This paper presents a new type of structural bracing intended for seismic retrofitting use in framed structures. This special composite brace,termed glass-fiber-reinforced-polymer(GFRP)-tube-confined-concrete composite brace,is comprised of concrete confined by a GFRP tube and an inner steel core for energy dissipation.Together with a contribution from the GFRP-tube confined concrete,the composite brace shows a substantially increased stiffness to control story drift, which is often a preferred feature in seismic retrofitting.An analysis model is established and implemented in a general finite element analysis program-OpenSees,for simulating the load-displacement behavior of the composite brace.Using this model,a parametric study of the hysteretic behavior(energy dissipation,stiffness,ductility and strength)of the composite brace was conducted under static cyclic loading and it was found that the area ratio of steel core to concrete has the greatest influence among all the parameters considered.To demonstrate the application of the composite brace in seismic retrofitting, a three-story nonductile reinforced concrete(RC)frame structure was retrofitted with the composite braces.Pushover analysis and nonlinear time-history analyses of the retrofitted RC frame structure was performed by employing a suite of 20 strong ground motion earthquake records.The analysis results show that the composite braces can effectively reduce the peak seismic responses of the RC frame structure without significantly increasing the base shear demand.     

Seismic retrofit of reinforced concrete frames using buckling‐restrained braces with bearing block load transfer mechanism

A new method of retrofitting reinforced concrete (RC) frames with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs) to improve frame strength, stiffness and energy dissipation is proposed. Instead of typical post‐installed anchors, load is transferred between the BRB and RC frame through compression bearing between an installed steel frame connected to the BRB, and high‐strength mortar blocks constructed at the four corners of the RC frame. This avoids complex on‐site anchor installation, and does not limit the allowable brace force by the anchor strength. Cyclic displacements of increasing amplitudes were imposed on two RC frame specimens retrofitted with different BRB strength capacities. In one of the frames, the bearing blocks were reinforced with wire mesh to mitigate cracking. A third RC frame was also tested as a benchmark to evaluate the retrofit strength and stiffness enhancements. Test results indicate that the proposed method efficiently transferred loads between the BRBs and RC frames, increasing the frame lateral strength while achieving good ductility and energy‐dissipating capacity. When the bearing block was reinforced with wire mesh, the maximum frame lateral strength and stiffness were more than 2.2 and 3.5 times the RC frame without the BRB respectively. The BRB imposes additional shear demands through the bearing blocks to both ends of the RC beam and column member discontinuity regions (D‐regions). The softened strut‐and‐tie model satisfactorily estimated the shear capacities of the D‐regions. A simplified calculation and a detailed PISA3D analysis were shown to effectively predict member demands to within 13.8% difference of the measured test results. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

基于OpenSees的防屈曲支撑加固钢筋混凝土框架数值模拟

提出了一种既有钢筋混凝土框架结构的抗震加固方法,该法采用防屈曲支撑提高框架结构体系的水平承载力和耗能能力,利用外包钢进一步提高柱子的抗弯和抗剪承载力。采用开源有限元程序OpenSees,分别建立空钢筋混凝土框架和防屈曲支撑加固钢筋混凝土框架的分析模型,对2榀钢筋混凝土框架的抗震性能进行模拟。防屈曲支撑采用了弹塑性桁架单元模型,加固框架柱混凝土考虑了外包钢的约束作用。将分析结果与拟静力试验结果进行比较,以检验分析模型的准确性,以及研究防屈曲支撑和外包钢对混凝土框架抗震性能的影响。分析结果表明,数值模拟与试验结果吻合较好,验证了基于OpenSees建立的数值模型的准确性;外包钢有效改善了框架柱的抗弯承载力和变形能力;防屈曲支撑显著提高了加固框架体系的水平刚度、水平承载力和耗能能力。     

Seismic assessment of damaged piloti‐type RC building subjected to successive earthquakes

Building structures damaged by a seismic event may be exposed to the risk of aftershocks or another event within a certain period. In this paper, the seismic assessment of damaged piloti‐type RC buildings was carried out to evaluate probabilistic retrofitting effects under successive earthquakes. First, a framework to evaluate the effectiveness of retrofitting was proposed, and then the proposed methodology was demonstrated with a structure retrofitted with buckling‐restrained braces (BRBs). For consideration of realistic successive earthquakes, past records measured at the same station were combined. Within the framework, a series of nonlinear time history analyses were performed for an as‐is model subjected to single earthquake, a damaged model subjected to successive earthquakes, and a damaged model retrofitted with BRBs subjected to successive earthquakes. In addition, fragility analysis was systematically applied in the framework for evaluation of effectiveness of the retrofitting strategy. The proposed framework was capable of quantifying the influence of successive earthquakes and evaluating the effectiveness of BRB retrofitting by considering the severity of the first earthquake damage and the hysteresis behavior of the retrofit element. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Resilience-based retrofitting of existing urban RC-frame buildings using seismic isolation

The improvement of the seismic resilience of existing reinforced-concrete (RC) frame buildings, which is essential for the seismic resilience of a city, has become a critical issue. Although seismic isolation is an effective method for improving the resilient performance of such buildings, target-oriented quantitative improvements of the resilient performance of these buildings have been reported rarely. To address this gap, the seismic resilience of two existing RC frame buildings located in a high seismic intensity region of China were assessed based on the Chinese Standard for Seismic Resilience Assessment of Buildings. The critical engineering demand parameters (EDPs) affecting the seismic resilience of such buildings were identified. Subsequently, the seismic resilience of buildings retrofitted with different isolation schemes (i.e., yield ratios) were evaluated and compared, with emphasis on the relationships among yield ratios, EDPs, and levels of seismic resilience. Accordingly, to achieve the highest level of seismic resilience with respect to the Chinese standard, a yield ratio of 3% was recommended and successfully applied to the target-oriented design for the seismic-resilience improvement of an existing RC frame building. The research outcome can provide an important reference for the resilience-based retrofitting of existing RC frame buildings using seismic isolation in urban cities.

     

Simplified seismic fragility analysis of structures with two types of friction devices

This paper presents a method and results of seismic fragility estimation of frame structures with friction devices and with friction devices and restrictors. The seismic intensity parameter, defined as the mean value of the pseudovelocity spectrum in a specified periods band, is proved to allow the use of linear regression analysis of the response parameters of the considered non‐linear structures on seismic intensity. A simplified method of fragility estimation is proposed, based on the concept of ‘mean seismic excitation’ and linear regression of the seismic response parameters on seismic intensity parameter. The key risk contributors for the system with friction devices and for the system with friction devices and restrictors are identified on the basis of the fragility analysis, and recommendations for improvement of the seismic response of the respective systems are derived. The results of the fragility study show that when the initial ‘bare’ frame is retrofitted by rigidly connected bracings the effect is much lower than in the case of connecting the bracings by friction devices and especially by friction devices and restrictors. Copyright © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic strengthening of an under‐designed RC structure with FRP

The opportunities provided by the use of fiber‐reinforced polymer (FRP) for the seismic retrofit of existing reinforced concrete (RC) structures were assessed on a full‐scale three‐story framed structure. The structure, designed only for gravity loads, was subjected to a bi‐directional pseudo‐dynamic (PsD) test at peak ground acceleration (PGA) equal to 0.20g at the ELSA Laboratory of the Joint Research Centre. The seismic deficiencies exhibited by the structure after the test were confirmed by post‐test assessment of structural seismic capacity performed by nonlinear static pushover analysis implemented on the lumped plasticity model of the structure. In order to allow the structure to withstand 0.30g PGA seismic actions, a retrofit using glass fiber‐reinforced polymer (GFRP) laminates was designed. The retrofit design was targeted to achieve a more ductile and energy dissipating global performance of the structure by increasing the ductility of columns and preventing brittle failure modes. Design assumptions and criteria along with nonlinear static pushover analysis to assess the overall capacity of the FRP‐retrofitted structure are presented and discussed. After the retrofit execution, a new series of PsD tests at both 0.20g and 0.30g PGA level were carried out. Theoretical predictions are compared with the main experimental outcomes to assess the effectiveness of the proposed retrofit technique and validate the adopted design procedures. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic retrofitting with buckling restrained braces: Application to an existing non-ductile RC framed building

This paper assesses the seismic performance of typical reinforced concrete (RC) existing framed structures designed for gravity loads only. The sample two-storey structural system exhibits high vulnerability, i.e. low lateral resistance and limited translation ductility; hence an effective strategy scheme for seismic retrofitting was deemed necessary. Such a scheme comprises buckling restrained braces (BRBs) placed along the perimeter frames of the multi-storey building. The adopted design approach assumes that the global response of the inelastic framed structure is the sum of the elastic frame (primary system) and the system comprising perimeter diagonal braces (secondary system); the latter braces absorb and dissipate a large amount of hysteretic energy under earthquake ground motions. Comprehensive nonlinear static (pushover) and dynamic (response history) analyses were carried out for both the as-built and retrofitted structures to investigate the efficiency of the adopted intervention strategy. A set of seven code-compliant natural earthquake records was selected and employed to perform inelastic response history analyses at serviceability (operational and damageability limit states, OLS and DLS) and ultimate limit states (life safety and collapse prevention limit states, LSLS and CPLS). Both global and local lateral displacements are notably reduced after the seismic retrofit of the existing system. In the as-built structure, the damage is primarily concentrated at the second floor (storey mechanism); the computed interstorey drifts are 2.43% at CPLS and 1.92% at LSLS for modal distribution of lateral forces. Conversely, for the retrofitted system, the estimated values of interstorey drifts (d/h) are halved; the maximum d/h are 0.84% at CPLS (along the Y-direction) and 0.65% at LSLS (yet along the Y-direction). The values of the global overstrength Ω vary between 2.14 and 2.54 for the retrofitted structure; similarly, the translation ductility μ_Δ-values range between 2.07 and 2.36. The response factor (R- or q-factor) is on average equal to 5.0. It is also found that, for the braced frame, under moderate-to-high magnitude earthquakes, the average period elongation is about 30%, while for the existing building the elongation is negligible (lower than 5%). The inelastic response of the existing structure is extremely limited. Conversely, BRBs are effective to enhance the ductility and energy dissipation of the sample as-built structural system. Extensive nonlinear dynamic analyses showed that more than 60% of input seismic energy is dissipated by the BRBs at ultimate limit states. The estimated maximum axial ductility of the braces is about 10; the latter value of translation ductility is compliant with BRBs available on the market. At DLS, the latter devices exhibit an elastic behaviour. It can thus be concluded that, under moderate and high magnitude earthquakes, the damage is concentrated in the added dampers and the response of the existing RC framed structure (bare frame) is chiefly elastic.     

Seismic response of a case study soft story frame retrofitted using a GIB system

This paper presents results from a numerical investigation into the seismic retrofit of a soft story frame using a novel gapped‐inclined brace (GIB) system. The GIB system consists of a pinned brace and a gap element that is added to the first story columns of the frame. The inclusion of GIB elements in addition to increasing the lateral capacity of columns at the first story increases the post‐yield stiffness ratio of the system and reduces the P‐delta effects on the columns, while not increasing the first story lateral resistance or stiffness. This allows for the isolating benefits of the soft story to protect the upper floors of the structure from damage while avoiding excessive deformations and reducing the propensity for collapse. A six‐story RC frame with masonry infills on all floors except for the first floor is studied. The dynamic response of the retrofitted building using the GIB system is investigated numerically and is compared with the response of the original un‐retrofitted building and the same building in which masonry infills are added to the first story to mitigate the soft story response. Results from the nonlinear time‐history analyses indicate that the GIB system could provide a reliable seismic retrofit mechanism for soft story buildings, which greatly reduces the likelihood of collapse by increasing the displacement capacity of the soft storey and by reducing P‐delta effects, while minimizing the overall damage and losses in the building by taking advantages of the isolation that is provided by the soft story to the rest of the structure located above. Copyright © 2014 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic reliability‐based ductility demand evaluation for inelastic base‐isolated structures with friction pendulum devices

The aim of this work is to propose seismic reliability‐based relationships between the strength reduction factors and the displacement ductility demand of nonlinear structural systems equipped with friction pendulum isolators (FPS) depending on the structural properties. The isolated structures are described by employing an equivalent 2dof model characterized by a perfectly elastoplastic rule to account for the inelastic response of the superstructure, whereas, the FPS behavior is described by a velocity‐dependent model. An extensive parametric study is carried out encompassing a wide range of elastic and inelastic building properties, different seismic intensity levels and considering the friction coefficient as a random variable. Defined a set of natural seismic records and scaled to the seismic intensity corresponding to life safety limit state for L'Aquila site (Italy) according to NTC08, the inelastic characteristics of the superstructures are designed as the ratio between the average elastic responses and increasing strength reduction factors. Incremental dynamic analyses (IDAs) are developed to evaluate the seismic fragility curves of both the inelastic superstructure and the isolation level assuming different values of the corresponding limit states. Integrating the fragility curves with the seismic hazard curves related to L'Aquila site (Italy), the reliability curves of the equivalent inelastic base‐isolated structural systems, with a design life of 50 years, are derived proposing seismic reliability‐based regression expressions between the displacement ductility demand and the strength reduction factors for the superstructure as well as seismic reliability‐based design (SRBD) abacuses useful to define the FPS properties. Copyright © 2016 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Seismic fragility analysis of highway bridges considering multi-dimensional performance limit state

Fragility analysis for highway bridges has become increasingly important in the risk assessment of highway transportation networks exposed to seismic hazards. This study introduces a methodology to calculate fragility that considers multi-dimensional performance limit state parameters and makes a first attempt to develop fragility curves for a multi-span continuous (MSC) concrete girder bridge considering two performance limit state parameters: column ductility and transverse deformation in the abutments. The main purpose of this paper is to show that the performance limit states, which are compared with the seismic response parameters in the calculation of fragility, should be properly modeled as randomly interdependent variables instead of deterministic quantities. The sensitivity of fragility curves is also investigated when the dependency between the limit states is different. The results indicate that the proposed method can be used to describe the vulnerable behavior of bridges which are sensitive to multiple response parameters and that the fragility information generated by this method will be more reliable and likely to be implemented into transportation network loss estimation.     

Uniform fragility spectra for the performance‐based seismic design of structures considering variabilities in structural properties

This paper presents a new methodology based on structural performance to determine uniform fragility design spectra, i.e., spectra with the same probability of exceedance of a performance level for a given seismic intensity. The design spectra calculated with this methodology provide directly the lateral strength, in terms of yield‐ pseudo‐accelerations, associated with the rate of exceedance of a specific ductility characterizing the performance level for which the structures will be designed. This procedure involves the assessment of the seismic hazard using a large enough number of seismic records of several magnitudes; these records are simulated with an improved empirical Green function method. The statistics of the performance of a single degree of freedom system are obtained using Monte Carlo simulation considering the seismic demand, the fundamental period, and the strength of the structure as uncertain variables. With these results, the conditional probability that a structure exceeds a specific performance level is obtained. The authors consider that the proposed procedure is a significant improvement to others considered in the literature and a useful research tool for the further development of uniform fragility spectra that can be used for the performance‐based seismic design and retrofit of structures.     

基于地震动参数的RC框架结构易损性分析

以某典型的12层钢筋混凝土框架结构作为研究对象,研究基于非线性动力时程分析和地震动参数的RC框架结构易损性分析方法。首先采用静力pushover分析判定结构薄弱层,并确定结构性能(capacity)参数;然后应用非线性动力时程分析估计结构地震反应,研究以峰值加速度和基本周期加速度反应谱作为地震动参数结构反应的不确定性,并进一步分析结构地震需求(demand)参数与地震动参数的关系;在此基础上,分别建立该结构基于峰值加速度和加速度反应谱的易损性曲线,通过考虑场地条件对地震动特性的影响,研究场地条件对结构易损性的影响,结果表明不同场地条件下的结构易损性曲线有一定差异。应用本文方法,根据新一代地震区划图或地震安全性评价确定的地震动参数,可以直接估计结构在未来地震中出现不同破坏的概率,这在结构的抗震性能评估和地震损失预测中有一定意义。     

Experimental investigation on reparability of an infilled rocking wall frame structure

Improving seismic performance is one of the critical objectives in earthquake engineering. With the development of economy and society, reparability and fast resilience of a structure are becoming increasingly important. Reinforced concrete (RC) frame structure is prone to soft story mechanism. As a result, deformation and damage are so concentrated that reparability is severely hampered. Rocking wall provides an available approach for deformation control in RC frame by introducing a continuous component along the height. Previous researches mostly focus on seismic responses of rocking wall frame structures, while damage mode and reparability have not been investigated in detail. In this study, a novel infilled rocking wall frame (IRWF) structure is proposed. A half‐scaled IRWF model was designed according to Chinese seismic design code. The model was subjected to cyclic pushover testing up to structure drift ratio of 1/50 (amplitude 1/50), and its reparability was evaluated thereafter. Retrofit was implemented by wrapping steel plates and installing friction dampers. The retrofitted model was further loaded up to amplitude 1/30. The IRWF model showed excellent reparability and satisfactory seismic performance on deformation control, damage mode, hysteresis behavior, and beam‐to‐column joint rotation. After retrofitting, capacity of the model was improved by 11% with limited crack distribution. The model did not degrade until amplitude 1/30, due to shear failure in frame beams. The retrofit procedure was proved effective, and reparability of the IRWF model was demonstrated. Seismic resilience tends to be achieved in the proposed system.     

Seismic steel jacketing of rectangular RC bridge columns for the mitigation of lap‐splice failures

This paper investigated the use of external steel jacketing for seismic retrofit of non‐ductile reinforced concrete (RC) bridge columns to prevent lap‐splice failure. Three 1/2.5‐scale specimens were tested under cyclic loads. The effectiveness of two types of steel jackets for improving the ductility and strength of specimens using inadequate transverse reinforcing and lap‐splice details were examined. An octagonal steel jacketing scheme for the seismic retrofitting of rectangular RC bridge columns was proposed. In addition, the methods for seismic retrofitting rectangular columns using elliptical steel jacketing were also critically tested. The test results indicated that the octagonal steel jackets can effectively provide confinement thereby mitigating failures as a result of inadequate transverse reinforcing and inadequate lap‐splices. Tests also confirmed that the ductility performance and the energy dissipation capacity of the specimens can be significantly improved by the octagonal steel jacket. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Drift-sensitive non-structural damage to masonry-infilled reinforced concrete frames designed to Eurocode 8

Post-earthquake surveys indicate that losses come from non-structural damage more than from structural damage. Current performance-based design would prevent excessive non-structural damage as well, but the effectiveness of relevant code provisions has not been assessed in depth. This study investigates the drift-sensitive non-structural damage to reinforced concrete frame buildings complying with the European seismic code. Damage to non-structural unreinforced masonry infill walls in contact with the frame is quantified in terms of numerical fragility curves with the same quantities considered in the design: the peak ground acceleration measures the seismic intensity; the peak value of the interstorey drift ratio is the damage index. The methodology for the fragility computation is described in detail. Peculiar is the use of probabilistic parameters of the drift capacity coupled to the fuzziness in the damage state. The drift demand is estimated by member-by-member modelling of typical frame structures and non-linear time–history analyses under spectrum-compatible artificial accelerograms. The kind of the infills and their modelling, the number of storeys, the ground type, and the ductility class are covered. Modelling the infills results to be essential. Any code-compliant verification is on the safe side, but the margin appears to be inconsistent among the frames under consideration. Furthermore, there is one case where occupancy appears to be not ensured despite the code verification is satisfied. The effect of the number of storeys may be misrepresented. The ductility class may be unimportant, however the damage seems to be correlated with the likely strength.