Probabilistic capacity models and fragility estimates for reinforced concrete columns based on experimental observations

A methodology to construct probabilistic capacity models of structural components is developed. Bayesian updating is used to assess the unknown model parameters based on observational data. The approach properly accounts for both aleatory and epistemic uncertainties. The methodology is used to construct univariate and bivariate probabilistic models for deformation and shear capacities of circular reinforced concrete columns subjected to cyclic loads based on a large body of existing experimental observations. The probabilistic capacity models are used to estimate the fragility of structural components. Point and interval estimates of the fragility are formulated that implicitly or explicitly reflect the influence of epistemic uncertainties. As an example, the fragilities of a typical bridge column in terms of maximum deformation and shear demands are estimated.