Seismic fragility assessment of aqueduct bent structures subjected to mainshock-aftershock sequences

This study aims to assess the seismic fragility of the aqueduct bent structure subjected to mainshock-aftershock (MS-AS) ground motion sequences by double incremental dynamic analysis method. The finite element model of the aqueduct bent structure is developed in OpenSees platform and numerical simulation technique is validated through physical test results. A series of nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis is carried out on the aqueduct bent structure to obtain its seismic response under different ground motion intensities. Furthermore, the incremental dynamic analysis (IDA) data cluster and median lines of the damage measure of the aqueduct bent structure are constructed. The advanced probabilistic seismic demand model (PSDM) of the aqueduct bent structure subjected to MS-AS ground motion sequences is proposed. Based on the proposed PSDM and the predefined damage states, the fragility surfaces of the aqueduct bent structure are also developed by adopting the vector-valued intensity measures considering the mainshock intensities (IMm) and aftershock intensities (IMa). Meanwhile, for the sake of comparation, the aftershock fragility curves of the aqueduct bent structure under different mainshock intensities are drawn, which emphasizes the importance of aftershocks in the seismic risk assessment. The analysis results indicate that the proposed piecewise probabilistic seismic demand model can better fit the logarithmic relationship between the aftershock intensities and the median of the reinforcement longitudinal tensile strain. The structural fragility probability increase with the increase of mainshock and aftershock intensities. It turns out that the mainshock intensities play a leading role in the damage probability of the aqueduct structure subjected to MS-AS ground motion sequences, the aftershock can cause additional damage to the aqueduct bent structure and reduce its seismic capacity. The meaningful results can provide supports for seismic optimization design, resilience improvement and post-earthquake repair-demand of the aqueduct structure in Southwest China.

Automated summary

This study aims to assess the seismic fragility of the aqueduct bent structure subjected to mainshock-aftershock (MS-AS) ground motion sequences. A finite element model of the structure is developed and validated through physical tests. Nonlinear dynamic time-history analysis is conducted to obtain the seismic response of the structure under different ground motion intensities. The fragility surfaces of the structure are developed based on the proposed probabilistic seismic demand model, considering both mainshock and aftershock intensities. The results indicate the importance of aftershocks in the seismic risk assessment and can support seismic optimization design and post-earthquake repair-demand.