Author(s)

A. G. Papachristidis, G. N. Vadaloykas & V. I. Sogiakas

Abstract

In the present study the additional building cost, the result of using a lower behaviour factor ‘q’, is calculated and compared to the probable repair costs after an earthquake. Static and dynamic analysis is performed on buildings using different values of ‘q’. Ground accelerations were chosen according to the Greek national part of EC8 and R/C design is done according to EC2. For different values of ‘q’ (1.0 up to 3.5) the building cost of the R/C frame is calculated. A probabilistic approach is launched, which explains the repair cost with respect to the construction cost and the respective seismic zone. The main purpose is the sensitivity analysis for different scenarios of the value of ‘q’, as well as the relation of these scenarios with the current insurance cost realization of the Greek market. The parameter under investigation is the optimal, in economic terms, value of behaviour factor ‘q’. Keywords: EC8, behaviour factor q, seismic risk, earthquake resistance, damage factor, repair cost, construction cost, safe structures. 1 Introduction According to EC8 [1], the capacity of a structure to dissipate energy, through mainly ductile behaviour of its elements and/or other mechanisms, is taken into account by introducing the behaviour factor q. The behaviour factor q is an approximation of the ratio of the seismic forces that the structure would experience if its response were completely elastic with 5% viscous damping, to the seismic forces that may be used in the design, with a conventional elastic analysis model. Using values of q larger than 1.0 gives lower construction cost,

Keywords

EC8, behaviour factor q, seismic risk, earthquake resistance,damage factor, repair cost, construction cost, safe structures.