Simulation of earthquake-induced hazards of falling exterior non-structural components and its application to emergency shelter design

Abstract

In addition to earthquake-induced structural collapse, hazards related to falling exterior non-structural components of buildings have also been recognized as a significant safety problem. A novel simulation method is proposed herein to reduce such type of hazard, which has rarely been studied in the existing literature. Using a multi-story concentrated-mass shear model and specific falling criteria for exterior non-structural components, the hazard ranges of falling objects in a building group are simulated. The uncertainty of ground motion is considered via the incremental dynamic analyses. Thus, the distribution probabilities of falling objects during the design life of a building group can be predicted. A residential community area is considered as a case study for calculating the distribution probabilities of falling objects over a design period of 50 years and for selecting a suitable and safe site for an emergency shelter. This study is expected to provide a useful reference for emergency and disaster management.